Edexcel A Level Physics
Edexcel A Level Physics Topic 13: Oscillations Exam Questions
Free Edexcel A Level Physics exam questions for Topic 13: Oscillations, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers simple harmonic motion, mass-spring and pendulum systems, energy in SHM, free and forced oscillations, damping and resonance.
Topic 13: 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.
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About Edexcel A Level Physics Topic 13: Oscillations
Topic 13: Oscillations in Edexcel A Level Physics covers simple harmonic motion (SHM), its graphs and equations, and the energy changes involved. You use the conditions for SHM, F = -kx, a = -ω^2x, x = A cos ωt and the time periods of a mass on a spring and a simple pendulum. The topic also covers free and forced oscillations, damping and resonance, including practical examples where resonance is useful or harmful. The core practical determines an unknown mass using resonant frequencies of oscillation of known masses. It is assessed in Paper 2: Advanced Physics II and links to circular motion.
What you need to know
- Conditions for SHM Restoring force is proportional to displacement from equilibrium and directed towards it: F = -kx, a = -ω^2x.
- SHM equations x = A cos ωt, v = -Aω sin ωt, a = -Aω^2 cos ωt, with ω = 2πf = 2π/T. Maximum speed Aω at equilibrium; maximum acceleration Aω^2 at the extremes.
- Time periods Mass on a spring: T = 2π√(m/k). Simple pendulum (small angles): T = 2π√(l/g). Both are independent of amplitude.
- Energy Kinetic and potential energy interchange, while total energy is constant without damping. Sketch energy-displacement and energy-time graphs.
- Damping Damping removes energy, reducing amplitude. Know light, critical and heavy damping and the plastic deformation of ductile materials as a way of dissipating energy.
- Forced oscillations and resonance When the driving frequency equals the natural frequency, amplitude is maximum (resonance). Damping lowers and broadens the resonance peak. Examples include buildings in earthquakes and Barton's pendulums.
Common mistakes in Topic 13: Oscillations
- Saying acceleration is maximum at the equilibrium position. It is zero there and maximum at maximum displacement.
- Thinking the pendulum period depends on the mass of the bob. It depends on length and g only.
- Using T = 2π√(k/m) instead of 2π√(m/k).
- Defining resonance without reference to natural frequency.
- Assuming damping greatly changes the natural frequency. Light damping mainly reduces amplitude.
Try three Topic 13: Oscillations exam-style questions
1. A mass of 0.40 kg on a spring of stiffness 25 N m^-1 oscillates vertically. Calculate the period. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
T = 2π√(m/k) = 2π√(0.40/25); T = 0.79 s.
2. Calculate the length of a simple pendulum with a period of 2.0 s. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
l = gT^2/4π^2 = 9.81 × 2.0^2/4π^2; l = 0.99 m.
3. Explain why tall buildings in earthquake zones are fitted with dampers. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Earthquake vibrations may match the natural frequency of the building, causing resonance; amplitude of oscillation becomes very large and could cause structural damage; dampers absorb energy, reducing the amplitude at resonance.
Topic 13: Oscillations FAQs
What does Edexcel A Level Physics Topic 13: Oscillations cover?
It covers simple harmonic motion, its equations and graphs, mass-spring systems and pendulums, energy in SHM, damping, forced oscillations and resonance.
Which paper is Topic 13 examined in?
It is assessed in Paper 2: Advanced Physics II, and like every topic it can also appear in Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Physics.
Which core practical is in Oscillations?
Determining the value of an unknown mass using the resonant frequencies of the oscillation of known masses, usually by plotting T^2 against m for a mass-spring system.
