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A-LevelPhysicsOscillationsMay/June 2017Paper 4 Q29 Marks

A bar magnet of mass 180 g is suspended from the free end of a spring, as illustrated in Fig. 2.1. spring magnet coil [Figure 2.1] The magnet hangs so that one pole is near the centre of a coil of wire. The coil is connected in series with a resistor and a switch. The switch is open. The magnet is displaced vertically and then allowed to oscillate with one pole remaining inside the coil. The other pole remains outside the coil. At time t = 0, the magnet is oscillating freely as it passes through its equilibrium position. At time t = 3.0 s, the switch in the circuit is closed. The variation with time t of the vertical displacement y of the magnet is shown in Fig. 2.2. [Figure 2.2]

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Physics Question

Topic

This structured question tests Oscillations in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 9 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics May/June 2017 examination, Paper 4 Variant 3.

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