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A-LevelPhysicsOscillations9702/42 · Oct/Nov 2021 · Q47 Marks

A trolley on a smooth surface is attached by springs to fixed blocks as shown in Fig. 4.1. The trolley oscillates horizontally about its equilibrium position with an amplitude of 12 cm. Fig. 4.2 shows the variation of the acceleration a of the trolley with displacement x from its equilibrium position. Friction between the trolley and the surface can be assumed to be negligible. [Figure 4.1] [Figure 4.2]

  1. (a)Describe the features of the line in Fig. 4.2 that demonstrate that the motion of the trolley is simple harmonic.[2]
  2. (b)Use Fig. 4.2 to determine the period T of the oscillations of the trolley.[3]
  3. (c)(i)On the line of the graph of Fig. 4.2, label with the letter P one point where the kinetic energy of the trolley is zero.[1]
  4. (c)(ii)On the line of the graph of Fig. 4.2, label with the letter Q an approximate position of one point where the kinetic energy of the trolley is equal to the potential energy stored in the springs.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. straight line through the origin
  2. negative gradient
  3. a = (-)&x and_ T = 2π/ ω
  4. e.g. @w = √(0.80 /0.12) (any correct pair of values of a and x)
  5. (= 2.58 rad s-1)
  6. Τ = 2π/2.58
  7. = 2.4 s
  8. Point labelled P at one end of the line
  9. Point labelled Q at displacement with magnitude more than half but less than maximum

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About this question

Topic
Oscillations, A-Level Physics (syllabus 9702). Structured question, 7 marks.
Source
A-Level Physics, Oct/Nov 2021 Paper 4 Variant 2, question 4.

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