Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Energy in simple harmonic motion
Energy in simple harmonic motion — practice question
A student studies how the energy of a mass moving up and down on a vertical spring changes, as illustrated in Fig. 4.1. The student then plots a graph of how energy $E$ varies with displacement $x$ for the oscillation, as shown in Fig. 4.2.
(a)[1]
State whether $E$ stands for the total energy, the potential energy or the kinetic energy of the oscillations.
(b)[3]
The student carries out the investigation again, but with a smaller amplitude. The maximum value of $E$ is now $1.8\,\text{mJ}$. Use Fig. 4.2 to find the change in amplitude. Show your working.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 4-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Kinetic energy ($E_k$ or $KE$)” …