# IBDP Physics 4.1 – Oscillations: IB Style Question Bank SL Paper 2

### Question

This question is about simple harmonic motion (SHM).

The graph shows the variation with time $$t$$ of the acceleration $$a$$ of an object X undergoing simple harmonic motion (SHM).

a

Define simple harmonic motion (SHM).[2]

b.

X has a mass of 0.28 kg. Calculate the maximum force acting on X.[1]

c.

Determine the maximum displacement of X. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.[4]

d.

A second object Y oscillates with the same frequency as X but with a phase difference of $$\frac{\pi }{4}$$. Sketch, using the graph opposite, how the acceleration of object Y varies with $$t$$.[2]

### Markscheme

a

force/acceleration proportional to the displacement/distance from a (fixed/equilibrium) point/mean position;

directed towards this (equilibrium) point / in opposite direction to displacement/ distance;

Allow algebra only if symbols are fully explained.

b.

0.73 (N); (allow answer in range of 0.71 to 0.75 (N))

c.

use of $${a_0} = – {\omega ^2}{x_0}$$;

$$T = 7.9{\text{ (s)}}$$ or $$\omega = 0.795$$ or $$\frac{\pi }{4}{\text{ (rad}}\,{{\text{s}}^{ – 1}})$$; } (allow answers in the range of T = 7.8 to 8.0 (s) or $$\omega$$ = 0.785 to 0.805 (rad s–1))

$${x_0} = 4.1(1){\text{ (m)}}$$; (allow answers in the range of 4.0 to 4.25 (m))

two significant figures in final answer whatever the value;

Award [4] for a bald correct answer.

d.

shape correct, constant amplitude for new curve, minimum of 10 s shown; } (there must be some consistent lead or lag and no change in T)

lead/lag of 1 s (to within half a square by eye);

Question

Simple harmonic motion and forced oscillations

The graph shows the variation with time of the displacement of an object undergoing simple harmonic motion.

a

(i) State the amplitude of the oscillation.

(ii) Calculate the frequency of the oscillation.[3]

b.

(i) Determine the maximum speed of the object.

(ii) Determine the acceleration of the object at 140 ms.[4]

c.

The graph below shows how the displacement of the object varies with time. Sketch on the same axes a line indicating how the kinetic energy of the object varies with time.

You should ignore the actual values of the kinetic energy.

[3]

## Markscheme

a

(i) 32 (mm);

(ii) period = 160 (ms);

frequency = 6.2/6.3 (Hz);

Allow ECF for incorrect period.

b.

(i) ω=2π×6.25;
v(=39.3×32×10-3)=1.3(ms-1); (allow ECF from (a))

or

tangent drawn to graph at a point of zero displacement;

gradient calculated between 1.2 and 1.4;

(ii) displacement = 23–26 (mm);

35–40 (ms-2);

23 mm found by calculating displacement

c.

double frequency;

always positive and constant amplitude;

correct phase ie cosine squared;

Ignore amplitude value.

A minimum of one complete, original oscillation needed to award [3].

Question

This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about simple harmonic motion (SHM) and waves. Part 2 is about wind power and the greenhouse effect.

Part 1 Simple harmonic motion (SHM) and waves

A gas is contained in a horizontal cylinder by a freely moving piston P. Initially P is at rest at the equilibrium position E.

a

The piston P is displaced a small distance A from E and released. As a result, P executes simple harmonic motion (SHM).
Define simple harmonic motion as applied to P.

[2]
b.

The graph shows how the displacement x of the piston P in (a) from equilibrium varies with time t.

(i) State the value of the displacement A as defined in (a).

(ii) On the graph identify, using the letter M, a point where the magnitude of the acceleration of P is a maximum.

(iii) Determine, using data from the graph and your answer to (b)(i), the magnitude of the maximum acceleration of P.

(iv) The mass of P is 0.32 kg. Determine the kinetic energy of P at t=0.052 s.[7]

c.

The oscillations of P initially set up a longitudinal wave in the gas.

(i) Describe, with reference to the transfer of energy, what is meant by a longitudinal wave.

(ii) The speed of the wave in the gas is 340 m s–1. Calculate the wavelength of the wave in the gas.[4]

## Markscheme

a.

the acceleration of piston/P is proportional to its displacement from equilibrium;
and directed towards equilibrium;
There must be a clear indication what is accelerating otherwise award [1 max].

b.

(i) 12(cm); (accept –12)

(ii) any maximum or minimum of the graph;

(iii) period= 0.04 (s); (allow clear substitution of this value)
$$\omega = \left( {\frac{{2\pi }}{T} = } \right)\frac{{2 \times 3.14}}{{0.04}} = 157\left( {{\rm{rad }}{{\rm{s}}^{ – 1}}} \right)$$

maximum acceleration=(2=)0.12×1572=3.0×103(ms-2); (watch for ECF from wrong period)

(iv) at t=0.052sx=(-)4(±1)cm;
$${\rm{KE = }}\left( {\frac{1}{2}m{\omega ^2}\left[ {{A^2} – {x^2}} \right] = } \right)0.5 \times 0.32 \times {157^2}\left[ {{{0.12}^2} – {{0.04}^2}} \right] = 50\left( { \pm 7} \right)\left( {\rm{J}} \right)$$;

Watch for incorrect use of cm.
Allow ECF from calculations in (b)(iii).
Do not retrospectively credit a mark for ω to (b)(iii) if it was not gained there on original marking.
Allow use of sin ωt to obtain v.
Award [2] for a bald correct answer.

c.

(i) the direction of the oscillations/vibrations/movements of the particles (in the medium/gas);

for a longitudinal wave are parallel to the direction of the propagation of the energy of the wave;

(ii) $$f = \left( {\frac{1}{T} = } \right)\frac{1}{{0.04}} = 25\left( {{\rm{Hz}}} \right)$$;
$$\lambda = \left( {\frac{v}{f} = } \right)\frac{{340}}{{25}} = 14\left( {\rm{m}} \right)$$;

Award [1 max] if frequency is not clearly stated.
Allow ECF from calculations in (b)(iii).