Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Simple harmonic oscillations
Simple harmonic oscillations — practice question
The piston inside the cylinder of a car engine undergoes simple harmonic motion. It travels from the highest point in the cylinder to the lowest point, as shown in Fig. 3.1. The separation moved by the piston between the positions displayed in Fig. 3.1 is $9.8\,\text{cm}$. The mass of the piston is $640\,\text{g}$. At one chosen engine speed, the piston makes $2700$ oscillations in $1.0\,\text{minute}$.
(a(i))[1]
For the piston’s oscillations in the cylinder, determine the amplitude.
(a(ii))[1]
For the piston’s oscillations in the cylinder, determine the frequency.
(a(iii))[2]
For the oscillations of the piston in the cylinder, determine the maximum speed.
(a(iv))[2]
Determine the speed when the top of the piston is $2.3\,\text{cm}$ below its maximum height.
(b)[3]
The piston’s acceleration varies. Determine the resultant force on the piston that gives rise to its maximum acceleration.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “amplitude is $4.9\,\text{cm}$” …