Energy in oscillations and dampingEdexcel International A Level Physics: Mind map

Exam questions on Energy in oscillations and damping

1. A trolley of mass 0.40 kg is attached to a horizontal spring of spring constant 64 N m⁻¹. The trolley moves on a low-friction track, so the oscillations can be treated as undamped. It is pulled 0.050 m from its equilibrium position and released from rest.
   Calculate the kinetic energy of the trolley when its displacement from equilibrium is 0.030 m.2 marks
2. A pendulum has a bob of mass 0.15 kg on a light string. The bob is pulled aside until it is 0.040 m above its lowest position and released from rest. Air resistance is negligible for the first swing, but over several minutes the swings visibly become smaller.
   Explain why the amplitude of the swings decreases with time.2 marks
3. A mass of 0.30 kg hangs from a spring and oscillates vertically with a period of 0.80 s and an initial amplitude of 6.0 cm. The mass is then lowered into a beaker of oil. In the oil the amplitude falls to 3.0 cm after a number of oscillations, and the period is unchanged.
   Calculate the total energy of the oscillation before the mass is lowered into the oil.3 marks