Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Energy in simple harmonic motion
Energy in simple harmonic motion — practice question
A cuboidal block is floating in a liquid with its base horizontal, as illustrated in Fig. 5.1. The lower face of the block lies a depth $h$ beneath the liquid surface. The block is moved a small distance downward and then let go, causing it to oscillate. Fig. 5.2 gives the way the block’s acceleration $a$ changes with $h$. Fig. 5.3 gives the way the block’s kinetic energy $E_K$ changes with $h$.
(a(i))[1]
Determine the amplitude of the oscillations.
(a(ii))[1]
State what the line in Fig. 5.2 shows about the nature of the oscillations.
(b)[3]
State three further quantitative deductions that can be made from Fig. 5.2 and Fig. 5.3 about the block and its oscillations. Use the space for any working.
(c)[3]
On Fig. 5.4, sketch how the potential energy $E_p$ of the oscillations varies with $h$.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “amplitude $=0.60\,\text{m}$” …