Displacement, velocity and acceleration graphs for SHMEdexcel A-Level Physics: Mind map

Exam questions on Displacement, velocity and acceleration graphs for SHM

1. A trolley on a horizontal spring oscillates with simple harmonic motion. Its amplitude is 0.080 m and its period is 0.50 s. At t = 0 it is at its maximum positive displacement, so its displacement is x = 0.080 cos ωt. A student plots graphs of its displacement, velocity and acceleration against time.
   Calculate the maximum acceleration of the trolley.2 marks
2. A mass on a vertical spring is released from rest at its maximum upward displacement of 0.050 m at t = 0. Upward is taken as positive, and the period of the oscillation is 0.80 s. A graph of its velocity against time is plotted.
   Calculate the maximum speed of the mass and state the first time at which it occurs.2 marks
3. The displacement x of a pendulum bob from its equilibrium position is given by x = 0.060 cos(πt), where x is in metres and t is in seconds, so the period is 2.0 s. A graph of displacement against time is plotted for one complete cycle.
   Calculate the velocity of the bob at t = 0.50 s and explain how this value could be found from the displacement–time graph.3 marks