CIE A Level Physics
CIE A Level Physics Oscillations Exam Questions
Free CIE A Level Physics exam questions for Oscillations, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers simple harmonic motion, a = -ω^2x, displacement, velocity and acceleration equations, energy in SHM, damping and resonance.
Oscillations exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
StemUp mark scheme flashcards
A-Level Physics Flashcards for 2027 Onwards
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Then test yourself with the questions on this page.
From £10.99View flashcards
About CIE A Level Physics Oscillations
Oscillations is Topic 17 of the Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics (9702) syllabus. It defines simple harmonic motion (SHM) using a = -ω^2x and describes displacement, velocity and acceleration with sine and cosine equations and graphs. You analyse energy interchange during SHM and study damping and forced oscillations, including resonance. It links with Motion in a circle through angular frequency. Examiners regularly ask you to sketch phase relationships between displacement, velocity and acceleration, calculate maximum speed and acceleration, and describe the effect of damping on a resonance curve.
What you need to know
- Describing oscillations Know displacement, amplitude, period, frequency, angular frequency (ω = 2πf) and phase difference. Express period in terms of frequency and angular frequency.
- Defining SHM SHM is motion where acceleration is proportional to displacement from a fixed point and directed towards that point: a = -ω^2x.
- SHM equations x = x0 sin ωt; v = v0 cos ωt; v = ±ω√(x0^2 - x^2). Maximum speed v0 = ωx0 at the equilibrium position; maximum acceleration ω^2x0 at the extremes.
- Energy in SHM Kinetic and potential energy interchange, while total energy stays constant for undamped motion. Total energy = ½mω^2x0^2.
- Damping Damping is caused by resistive forces that remove energy. Know light, critical and heavy damping and sketch displacement-time graphs for each.
- Resonance Resonance occurs when the driving frequency equals the natural frequency, giving maximum amplitude. Damping reduces the peak amplitude and broadens the resonance curve.
Common mistakes in Oscillations
- Omitting the minus sign in a = -ω^2x or failing to explain what it means (acceleration opposite to displacement).
- Saying velocity is maximum at maximum displacement. Velocity is maximum at the equilibrium position and zero at the extremes.
- Using frequency f instead of angular frequency ω in SHM equations.
- Saying damping changes the natural frequency greatly. Light damping has little effect on frequency but reduces amplitude.
- Defining resonance as 'large vibrations'. State that the driving frequency equals the natural frequency and amplitude is maximum.
Try three Oscillations exam-style questions
1. A mass oscillates with SHM of amplitude 0.050 m and frequency 2.0 Hz. Calculate its maximum speed and maximum acceleration. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
ω = 2πf = 12.6 rad s^-1; v0 = ωx0 = 12.6 × 0.050 = 0.63 m s^-1; a max = ω^2x0 = 12.6^2 × 0.050 = 7.9 m s^-2.
2. For the same oscillation, calculate the speed when the displacement is 0.030 m. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
v = ω√(x0^2 - x^2) = 12.6 × √(0.050^2 - 0.030^2); v = 12.6 × 0.040 = 0.50 m s^-1.
3. Describe and explain the effect of increasing damping on the resonance curve of a forced oscillator. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Peak amplitude is reduced; resonance peak becomes broader (flatter); peak shifts slightly to a lower frequency; because more energy is removed per cycle by resistive forces.
Oscillations FAQs
What does Cambridge AS & A Level Physics Oscillations cover?
It covers simple harmonic motion, its defining equation, displacement, velocity and acceleration equations and graphs, energy in SHM, damping and resonance.
Which paper is Oscillations examined in?
It is an A Level topic assessed in Paper 4, and oscillating systems such as pendulums are common contexts in Paper 5.
What equations do I need for Oscillations?
Learn a = -ω^2x, ω = 2πf, x = x0 sin ωt, v = v0 cos ωt, v = ±ω√(x0^2 - x^2) and total energy = ½mω^2x0^2.
