A-LevelPhysicsKinematics9702/12 · May/June 2011 · Q91 Mark
A small glider moves along a friction-free horizontal air track as shown below. At each end of the air track there is a perfectly elastic buffer. Which graph represents the variation with time t of the velocity v of the glider as it moves between the two buffers?
This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.
Av-t graph showing square wave oscillations with varying amplitudes.
Bv-t graph showing square wave oscillations, initially positive, then negative with smaller amplitude, then positive with larger amplitude.
Cv-t graph showing triangular wave oscillations, velocity magnitude decreasing and increasing.
Dv-t graph showing square wave oscillations, constant positive velocity then instant flip to constant negative velocity of same magnitude.
✓ Correct answer
D: v-t graph showing square wave oscillations, constant positive velocity then instant flip to constant negative velocity of same magnitude.
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