C.

1 Simple Harmonic Motion Revision [72 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 1] 19M.1A.SL.TZ1.28

The four pendulums shown have been cut from the same uniform
sheet of board. They are attached to the ceiling with strings of equal
length.

Which pendulum has the shortest period? [1]

Markscheme

Examiners report

Candidate answers were almost equally divided between responses B and

D (correct). This question indirectly assesses experimental skills; how do we
determine the effective length of a pendulum?
2. [Maximum mark: 1] 19M.1A.SL.TZ1.15
Which graph shows the variation with time t of the kinetic energy (KE)
of an object undergoing simple harmonic motion (shm) of period T?

[1]

Markscheme

D
3. [Maximum mark: 1] 19M.1A.SL.TZ2.17
A mass on a spring is displaced from its equilibrium position. Which
graph represents the variation of acceleration with displacement for
the mass after it is released?

[1]

Markscheme

D
4. [Maximum mark: 1] 19M.1A.SL.TZ2.14
Object P moves vertically with simple harmonic motion (shm). Object
Q moves in a vertical circle with a uniform speed. P and Q have the
same time period T. When P is at the top of its motion, Q is at the
bottom of its motion.

What is the interval between successive times when the acceleration of

P is equal and opposite to the acceleration of Q?

A. T

B. T

C. 3T

D. T [1]

Markscheme

B
5. [Maximum mark: 1] 19M.1A.HL.TZ1.14
A particle performs simple harmonic motion (shm). What is the phase
difference between the displacement and the acceleration of the
particle?

A. 0

B. π

C. π

D. 3π

[1]

Markscheme

C
6. [Maximum mark: 1] 19M.1A.HL.TZ2.16
An object at the end of a spring oscillates vertically with simple
harmonic motion (shm). The graph shows the variation with time t of
the displacement x of the object.

What is the velocity of the object?

2πA πt
A. − T
sin (
T
)

B. 2πA

T
sin (
πt

T
)

2πA πt
C. − T
cos (
T
)

D. 2πA

T
cos (
πt

T
) [1]

Markscheme

B
7. [Maximum mark: 1] 20N.1A.SL.TZ0.27
A simple pendulum and a mass–spring system oscillate with the same
time period. The mass of the pendulum bob and the mass on the spring
are initially identical. The masses are halved.

time period of pendulum

What is time period of mass – spring system
when the masses have
been changed?

√2
A. 2

B. 1

C. √2

D. 2 [1]

Markscheme

8. [Maximum mark: 1] 20N.1A.SL.TZ0.14

An object moves with simple harmonic motion. The acceleration of the
object is

A. constant.

B. always directed away from the centre of the oscillation.

C. a maximum at the centre of the oscillation.

D. a maximum at the extremes of the oscillation. [1]

Markscheme

D
9. [Maximum mark: 1] 19N.1A.SL.TZ0.12
The motion of an object is described by the equation

acceleration ∝ − displacement.

What is the direction of the acceleration relative to that of the

displacement and what is the displacement when the speed is a
maximum?

[1]

Markscheme

D
10. [Maximum mark: 1] 19N.1A.HL.TZ0.26
An object undergoes simple harmonic motion (shm) of amplitude x0.
x0
When the displacement of the object is 3 , the speed of the object is v
. What is the speed when the displacement is x0?

A. 0

B. v

√2
C. 3
v

D. 3v [1]

Markscheme

A
11. [Maximum mark: 7] 19N.2.SL.TZ0.3
The solid line in the graph shows the variation with distance x of the
displacement y of a travelling wave at t = 0. The dotted line shows the wave 0.20
ms later. The period of the wave is longer than 0.20 ms.

One end of a string is attached to an oscillator and the other is fixed to a wall.
When the frequency of the oscillator is 360 Hz the standing wave shown is
formed on the string.

Point X (not shown) is a point on the string at a distance of 10 cm from the

oscillator.

(a(i)) Calculate, in m s–1, the speed for this wave. [1]

Markscheme
 v= « 0.05
−3
=» 250 «m s–1»✔
0.20×10

(a(ii)) Calculate, in Hz, the frequency for this wave. [2]

Markscheme

λ = 0.30 «m» ✔
f = « 0.30
250
=» 830 «Hz» ✔

NOTE: Allow ECF from (a)(i)

Allow ECF from wrong wavelength for MP2

(b) The graph also shows the displacement of two particles, P and
Q, in the medium at t = 0. State and explain which particle has
the larger magnitude of acceleration at t = 0. [2]

Markscheme

Q✔
acceleration is proportional to displacement «and Q has larger
displacement» ✔
(c(i)) State the number of all other points on the string that have the
same amplitude and phase as X. [1]

Markscheme

3 «points» ✔

(c(ii)) The frequency of the oscillator is reduced to 120 Hz. On the

diagram, draw the standing wave that will be formed on the
string.

[1]

Markscheme

first harmonic mode drawn ✔

NOTE: Allow if only one curve drawn, either solid or dashed.
12. [Maximum mark: 6] 19M.2.SL.TZ1.3
A beam of microwaves is incident normally on a pair of identical narrow slits S1
and S2.

When a microwave receiver is initially placed at W which is equidistant from the

slits, a maximum in intensity is observed. The receiver is then moved towards Z
along a line parallel to the slits. Intensity maxima are observed at X and Y with
one minimum between them. W, X and Y are consecutive maxima.

(a) Explain why intensity maxima are observed at X and Y. [2]

Markscheme

two waves superpose/mention of superposition/mention of «constructive»

interference ✔

they arrive in phase/there is a path length difference of an integer number

of wavelengths ✔

Ignore references to nodes/antinodes.

Examiners report
 Many candidates were able to discuss the interference that is taking place
in this question, but few were able to fully describe the path length
difference. That said, the quality of responses on this type of question seems
to have improved over the last few examination sessions with very few
candidates simply discussing the crests and troughs of waves.

(b) The distance from S1 to Y is 1.243 m and the distance from S2 to

Y is 1.181 m.

Determine the frequency of the microwaves. [3]

Markscheme

path difference = 0.062 «m» ✔

so wavelength = 0.031 «m» ✔

frequency = 9.7 × 109 «Hz» ✔

If no unit is given, assume the answer is in Hz. Accept other prefixes (eg 9.7 GHz)

Award [2 max] for 4.8 x 109 Hz.

Examiners report

Many candidates struggled with this question. Few were able to calculate a
proper path length difference, and then use that to calculate the
 wavelength and frequency. Many candidates went down blind paths of
trying various equations from the data booklet, and some seemed to
believe that the wavelength is just the reciprocal of the frequency.

(c) Outline one reason why the maxima observed at W, X and Y will
have different intensities from each other. [1]

Markscheme

intensity varies with distance OR points are different distances from the slits
✔

Accept “Intensity is modulated by a single slit diffraction envelope”.

Examiners report

This is one of many questions on this paper where candidates wrote vague
answers that did not clearly connect to physics concepts or include key
information. There were many overly simplistic answers like “they are
farther away” without specifying what they are farther away from.
Candidates should be reminded that their responses should go beyond the
obvious and include some evidence of deeper understanding.
13. [Maximum mark: 10] 22M.2.SL.TZ1.6
A mass–spring system oscillates horizontally on a frictionless surface. The mass
has an acceleration a when its displacement from its equilibrium position is x.

The variation of a with x is modelled in two different ways, A and B, by the

graphs shown.

(a) Outline two reasons why both models predict that the motion
is simple harmonic when a is small. [2]

Markscheme

For both models:

displacement is ∝ to acceleration/force «because graph is straight and
through origin» ✓

displacement and acceleration / force in opposite directions «because

gradient is negative»
OR
acceleration/«restoring» force is always directed to equilibrium ✓
 Examiners report

This item was essentially encouraging candidates to connect concepts

about simple harmonic motion to a physical situation described by a graph.
The marks were awarded for discussing the physical motion (such as "the
acceleration is in the opposite direction of the displacement") and not just
for describing the graph itself (such as "the slope of the graph is negative").
Most candidates were successful in recognizing that the acceleration was
proportional to displacement for the first marking point, but many simply
described the graph for the second marking point.

(b) Determine the time period of the system when a is small. [4]

Markscheme

attempted use of ω2 = (−)

a

x
✓

suitable read-offs leading to gradient of line = 28 « s-2» ✓

T =
2π

ω
« 2π
»✓
√ 28

T = 1. 2 s ✓

Examiners report
 This question was well done by many candidates. A common mistake was
to select an incorrect gradient, but candidates who showed their work
clearly still earned the majority of the marks.

(c) Outline, without calculation, the change to the time period of

the system for the model represented by graph B when a is
large. [2]

Markscheme

time period increases ✓

because average ω «for whole cycle» is smaller

OR

slope / acceleration / force at large x is smaller

OR

area under graph B is smaller so average speed is smaller. ✓

 Examiners report

Many candidates recognized that the time period would increase for B, and
some were able to give a valid reason based on the difference between the
motion of B and the motion of A. It should be noted that the prompt
specified "without calculation", so candidates who simply attempted to
calculate the time period of B did not receive marks.

(d) The graph shows for model A the variation with x of elastic
potential energy Ep stored in the spring.

Describe the graph for model B. [2]

Markscheme

same curve OR shape for small amplitudes «to about 0.05 m» ✓

for large amplitudes «outside of 0.05 m» Ep smaller for model B / values are
lower than original / spread will be wider ✓ OWTTE
Accept answers drawn on graph – e.g.

Examiners report

Candidates were generally successful in describing one of the two aspects

of the graph of B compared to A, but few were able to describe both. It
should be noted that this is a two mark question, so candidates should have
considered the fact that there are two distinct statements to be made about
the graphs. Examiners did accept clearly drawn graphs as well for full marks.
14. [Maximum mark: 11] 21N.2.SL.TZ0.3
Two equal positive fixed point charges Q = +44 μC and point P are at the vertices
of an equilateral triangle of side 0.48 m.

Point P is now moved closer to the charges.

A point charge q = −2.0 μC and mass 0.25 kg is placed at P. When x is

small compared to d, the magnitude of the net force on q is F ≈ 115x.
An uncharged parallel plate capacitor C is connected to a cell of emf 12 V, a
resistor R and another resistor of resistance 20 MΩ.

(a.i) Show that the magnitude of the resultant electric field at P is 3

MN C−1 [2]

Markscheme

9 −6
kQ 8.99×10 ×44×10
«electric field at P from one charge is 2
r
=» 2
0.48

OR

1. 7168 × 10
6
«NC−1» ✓

«NC−1»
6 6
« net field is » 2 × 1. 7168 × 10 × cos 30°= 2. 97 × 10

✓
(a.ii) State the direction of the resultant electric field at P. [1]

Markscheme

directed vertically up «on plane of the page» ✓

Allow an arrow pointing up on the diagram.

(b.i) Explain why q will perform simple harmonic oscillations when it

is released. [2]

Markscheme

force «on q» is proportional to the displacement ✓

and opposite to the displacement / directed towards equilibrium ✓

(b.ii) Calculate the period of oscillations of q. [2]

Markscheme

«a =
F

m
= »ω2x =
115x

0.25
✓

2π
T = « = » 0. 29 «s» ✓
ω

Award [2] marks for a bald correct answer.

Allow ECF for MP2.

(c.i) At t = 0, the switch is connected to X. On the axes, draw a sketch

graph to show the variation with time of the voltage VR across R.
 [2]

Markscheme

decreasing from 12 ✓

correct shape as shown ✓

Do not penalize if the graph does not touch the t axis.

(c.ii) The switch is then connected to Y and C discharges through the

20 MΩ resistor. The voltage Vc drops to 50 % of its initial value in
5.0 s. Determine the capacitance of C. [2]

Markscheme

5.0
1 −

2
= e 6
20×10 C
✓
C = 3. 6 × 10
−7
«F» ✓

Award [2] for a bald correct answer.

15. [Maximum mark: 9] 21N.2.HL.TZ0.8
The graph shows the variation with diffraction angle of the intensity of light
after it has passed through four parallel slits.

The number of slits is increased but their separation and width stay the same. All
slits are illuminated.

(a) State what is meant by the Doppler effect. [2]

Markscheme

the change in the observed frequency ✓

when there is relative motion between the source and the observer ✓

Do not award MP1 if they refer to wavelength.

(b) A plate performs simple harmonic oscillations with a frequency
of 39 Hz and an amplitude of 8.0 cm.

Show that the maximum speed of the oscillating plate is about

20 m s−1. [2]

Markscheme

use of 2πf A ✓

maximum speed is 2π × 39 × 0. 080 = 19. 6 «m s

−1» ✓

Award [2] for a bald correct answer.

(c) Sound of frequency 2400 Hz is emitted from a stationary source

towards the oscillating plate in (b). The speed of sound is 340 m
s−1.
 Determine the maximum frequency of the sound that is
received back at the source after reflection at the plate.
[2]

Markscheme

frequency at plate 2400 × «= 2538 Hz»

340+19.6

340

at source 2538 × 340

340−19.6
= 2694 ≈ 2700 «Hz» ✓

Award [2] marks for a bald correct answer.

Award [1] mark when the effect is only applied once.

(d.i) State what will happen to the angular position of the primary
maxima. [1]
 Markscheme

stays the same ✓

(d.ii) State what will happen to the width of the primary maxima. [1]

Markscheme

decreases ✓

(d.iii) State what will happen to the intensity of the secondary

maxima. [1]

Markscheme

decreases ✓
16. [Maximum mark: 12] 21M.2.HL.TZ1.8
On a guitar, the strings played vibrate between two fixed points. The frequency
of vibration is modified by changing the string length using a finger. The
different strings have different wave speeds. When a string is plucked, a standing
wave forms between the bridge and the finger.

The string is displaced 0.4 cm at point P to sound the guitar. Point P on the
string vibrates with simple harmonic motion (shm) in its first harmonic with a
frequency of 195 Hz. The sounding length of the string is 62 cm.

(a) Outline how a standing wave is produced on the string. [2]

Markscheme

«travelling» wave moves along the length of the string and reflects «at fixed
end» ✓

superposition/interference of incident and reflected waves ✓

 the superposition of the reflections is reinforced only for certain
wavelengths ✓

(b.i) Show that the speed of the wave on the string is about 240 m
s−1. [2]

Markscheme

λ = 2l = 2 × 0. 62 = «1. 24 m» ✓

v = f λ = 195 × 1. 24 = 242 «m −1
s »✓

Answer must be to 3 or more sf or working shown for MP2.

(b.ii) Sketch a graph to show how the acceleration of point P varies

with its displacement from the rest position.
 [1]

Markscheme

straight line through origin with negative gradient ✓

(b.iii) Calculate, in m s−1, the maximum velocity of vibration of point P

when it is vibrating with a frequency of 195 Hz. [2]

Markscheme

max velocity occurs at x = 0 ✓

«(2π)(195)√0. 004 » »✓
2
v = = 4. 9 «m −1
s

(b.iv) Calculate, in terms of g, the maximum acceleration of P. [2]

 Markscheme

2
a = (2π 195) × 0. 004 = 6005 «m s−2» ✓

= 600 g ✓

(b.v) Estimate the displacement needed to double the energy of the

string. [2]

Markscheme

use of E ∝ A
2
OR xo
2
✓

A = 0. 4√ 2 = 0. 57 «cm» ≅ 0. 6 «cm» ✓

(c) The string is made to vibrate in its third harmonic. State the
distance between consecutive nodes. [1]
Markscheme

62

3
= 21 «cm» ✓
17. [Maximum mark: 7] 20N.2.HL.TZ0.7
A vertical solid cylinder of uniform cross-sectional area A floats in water. The
cylinder is partially submerged. When the cylinder floats at rest, a mark is aligned
with the water surface. The cylinder is pushed vertically downwards so that the
mark is a distance x below the water surface.

At time t = 0 the cylinder is released. The resultant vertical force F on the

cylinder is related to the displacement x of the mark by

F = −ρAgx

where ρ is the density of water.

The cylinder was initially pushed down a distance x = 0. 250 m.

(a) Outline why the cylinder performs simple harmonic motion

when released. [1]

Markscheme

the «restoring» force/acceleration is proportional to displacement ✓

Allow use of symbols i.e. F ∝ −x or a ∝ −x

Examiners report
 This was well answered with candidates gaining credit for answers in words
or symbols.

(b) The mass of the cylinder is 118 kg and the cross-sectional area
of the cylinder is 2. 29 × 10−1 m2. The density of water is
3
1. 03 × 10 kg m . Show that the angular frequency of
−3

oscillation of the cylinder is about 4. 4 rad s

−1
. [2]

Markscheme

ρAg
Evidence of equating mω2x = ρAgx «to obtain m
= ω
2
»✓

3 −1

ω = √
1.03×10 ×2.29×10

118
×9.81
OR 4. 43« rad −1
s »✓

Answer to at least 3 s.f.

Examiners report

Again, very well answered.

(c(i)) Determine the maximum kinetic energy Ekmax of the cylinder. [2]

Markscheme

«EK is a maximum when x = 0 hence»

− 0 )✓
1 2 2 2
EK, max = × 118 × 4. 4 (0. 250
2

71. 4 « J» ✓

Examiners report

A straightforward calculation with the most common mistake being

missing the squared on the omega.

(c(ii)) Draw, on the axes, the graph to show how the kinetic energy of
the cylinder varies with time during one period of oscillation T .
 [2]

Markscheme

energy never negative ✓

correct shape with two maxima ✓

Examiners report

Most candidates answered with a graph that was only positive so scored
the first mark.

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