Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Damped and forced oscillations, resonance

Damped and forced oscillations, resonance — practice question

A student assembles the apparatus shown in Fig. 3.1 to study the oscillations of a metal cube hung from a spring. The oscillator produces vibrations with a constant amplitude. Fig. 3.2 shows how the amplitude of the metal cube’s oscillations changes with frequency.
(a(i))[1]

State the physical phenomenon shown in Fig. 3.2.

(a(ii))[1]

At the point of maximum vibration amplitude, state the values of the amplitude and the frequency.

(b(i))[3]

Assume that the oscillations of the $150\,\text{g}$ metal cube are simple harmonic. Use your answers in (a)(ii) to find the maximum acceleration of the metal cube.

(b(ii))[2]

Determine the greatest resultant force acting on the cube.

(c)[2]

Very light feathers are fixed to the top surface of the cube so that they project beyond its vertical sides. The investigation is repeated. On Fig. 3.2, draw a line to show the new variation of vibration amplitude with frequency for frequencies between $2\,\text{Hz}$ and $10\,\text{Hz}$.

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