Simple harmonic motionEdexcel International A Level Physics: Mind map
The condition
Frequency terms
Simple harmonic motion
F = −kx
a = −ω²xT = 2π/ωx = A cos ωt
Equations
Maximum values
Periods
Exam questions on Simple harmonic motion
- A trolley of mass 0.40 kg rests on a horizontal, frictionless track. It is attached to a fixed support by a spring that obeys Hooke's law, with spring constant 25 N m⁻¹. The trolley is pulled 6.0 cm from its equilibrium position and released.Explain why the trolley moves with simple harmonic motion after it is released.2 marks
- A particle oscillates with simple harmonic motion with an amplitude of 4.0 cm and a frequency of 2.5 Hz. At time t = 0 it is at its maximum positive displacement.Calculate the maximum speed and the maximum magnitude of the acceleration of the particle.2 marks
- A student compares the oscillations of a mass on a spring with those of a simple pendulum. The mass-spring system consists of a mass of 0.250 kg suspended from a spring of spring constant 40 N m⁻¹. Use g = 9.81 m s⁻².Calculate the period and the frequency of oscillation of the mass-spring system.3 marks
Written by the Exaim team, led by Shaun Daswani (Head of Upper Secondary, Improve ME Institute; MSc Financial Mathematics, Imperial College London; BSc, UCL) and Jason Daswani (operational lead, Improve ME Institute; LSE).