Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Energy in simple harmonic motion
Energy in simple harmonic motion — practice question
A small metal ball hangs from a fixed point on a string, as in Fig. 4.1. It is displaced a short distance sideways and then let go. Figure 4.2 shows how the horizontal displacement $x$ changes with time $t$. The ball moves with simple harmonic motion.
(a)[3]
Using the information in Fig. 4.2, find the ball’s horizontal acceleration when $x = 2.0\,\text{cm}$.
(b)[3]
The ball has a maximum kinetic energy of $E_K$. In Fig. 4.3, draw a graph to show how the kinetic energy of the ball varies with time $t$ during the first $1.0\,\text{s}$ of motion.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “The working uses $a = \omega^2 x$, with $\omega = \dfrac{2\pi}{T}$.” …