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CAIE A-Level Physics A2 17.1.5 Graphical Representations of the Variations of Displacement Velocity and Questions

Analyse SHM graphs to identify phase, amplitudes, maxima and zero crossings, and connect displacement, velocity and acceleration.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Physics 9702
Level
A2

Exam points

  • analyse displacement–time, velocity–time and acceleration–time graphs for SHM
  • identify phase relationships, amplitudes, maxima and zero crossings from SHM graphs
  • use graph gradients or relative timing to connect displacement, velocity and acceleration

CAIE A-Level Physics A2 17.1.5 Graphical Representations of the Variations of Displacement Velocity and Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Fig. 4.1 shows a heavy pendulum and a light pendulum, both suspended from the same piece of string. This string is secured at each end to fixed points.

Fig. 4.1

Fig. 4.1

Both pendulums have the same natural frequency.
The heavy pendulum is set oscillating perpendicular to the plane of the diagram. As it oscillates, it causes the light pendulum to oscillate.

Fig. 4.2 shows the variation with time t of the displacements of the two pendulums for three oscillations.

Fig. 4.2

Fig. 4.2

The variation with t of the displacement x of the light pendulum is given by

x=0.25sin⁡5.0πtx=0.25 \sin 5.0 \pi t

where x is in centimetres and t is in seconds.

On Fig. 4.2, label both of the axes with the correct scales. Use the space below for any additional working that you need.

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