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CAIE A-Level Physics A2 17.1.2 Simple Harmonic Motion Occurs When Acceleration Is Proportional to Questions

Practise identifying simple harmonic motion from acceleration–displacement graphs and restoring-force equations, explaining proportionality and direction.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Physics 9702
Level
A2

Exam points

  • State that SHM acceleration is proportional to displacement from equilibrium and directed oppositely.
  • Explain the minus sign: acceleration and restoring force point towards the equilibrium position.
  • Explain SHM from an acceleration-displacement graph: a straight line through zero with negative gradient.
  • Sketch a straight acceleration-displacement line through equilibrium with the correct sign and endpoints.
  • Show that a restoring equation gives acceleration proportional to minus displacement with a fixed factor.
  • Measure displacement from the point where acceleration is zero when a graph uses deflection or depth.
  • Reject SHM when an acceleration-displacement curve changes gradient, even if it passes through zero.
  • Read the limiting amplitude from the graph region where acceleration stays proportional to displacement.

CAIE A-Level Physics A2 17.1.2 Simple Harmonic Motion Occurs When Acceleration Is Proportional to Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

A pendulum consists of a bob (small metal sphere) attached to the end of a piece of string. The other end of the string is attached to a fixed point. The bob oscillates with small oscillations about its equilibrium position, as shown in Fig. 4.1.

Fig. 4.1 (not to scale)

Fig. 4.1 (not to scale)

The length L of the pendulum, measured from the fixed point to the centre of the bob, is 1.24 m .
The acceleration a of the bob varies with its displacement x from the equilibrium position as shown in Fig. 4.2.

Fig. 4.2

Fig. 4.2

State how Fig. 4.2 shows that the motion of the pendulum is simple harmonic.

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