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Simple harmonic oscillations: OCR A‑Level Physics A questions

Every OCR A-Level Physics A exam question on 5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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Calculations

1,877 questions

  1. Q14

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    1 mark5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 14: A body moves with simple harmonic motion. Which graph shows the correct relationship between its period, T, and its amplitude, A? T 0 A 0 A T 0 A 0 B T 00 A C T

  2. Q18(b)(ii)

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    2 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 18(b)(ii): When the drum is released, it oscillates vertically. Explain why the oscillations are simple harmonic motion. [2]

  3. Q18(b)(iii)

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    2 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 18(b)(iii): Calculate the natural frequency f of the oscillations. f = Hz [2]

  4. Q18(c)

    June 2025 · Paper 1

    6 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 1, question 18(c): Part of a machine to generate electrical energy using waves is a cylindrical drum whose cross-section is shown below. The height of the drum is 2.0 m and its cr

  5. Q9

    June 2024 · Paper 1

    1 mark5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 1, question 9: A mass suspended from a spring is pulled down 0.05 m from the equilibrium point and released. It oscillates in simple harmonic motion. The frequency of the moti

  6. Q4(b)(ii)

    June 2024 · Paper 3

    3 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 3, question 4(b)(ii): The block now moves with simple harmonic motion. Calculate the frequency of this motion. frequency = Hz [3]

  7. Q21(a)(iii)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    2 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 21(a)(iii): State and explain the effect, if any, of increasing the initial displacement on the period of the subsequent motion. [2]

  8. Q21(b)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    2 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 21(b)(i): Describe two different errors in the table. 1 2 [2]

  9. Q21(b)(ii)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    2 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 21(b)(ii): Plot the first data point from the table on the graph below. The other points have all been plotted. The table of results is repeated on the opposite page. Incl

  10. Q21(b)(iii)

    June 2023 · Paper 1

    3 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 1, question 21(b)(iii): Use the graph to determine the value of k. k = N m–1 [3]

  11. Q20(b)(ii)

    June 2022 · Paper 1

    8 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    Mark scheme (PDF)
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 1, question 20(b)(ii): When the gas supply is disconnected, the water levels in the U-tube oscillates with simple harmonic motion. The acceleration a of the water level in the left-ha

  12. Q2(a)

    June 2022 · Paper 3

    2 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3, question 2(a): Describe how to determine accurately the period T of oscillations of this rod. [2]

  13. Q2(b)(i)

    June 2022 · Paper 3

    2 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3, question 2(b)(i): Show that the gradient of the graph is given by the equation gradient = 8π 2 3g [2]

  14. Q2(b)(ii)

    June 2022 · Paper 3

    2 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3, question 2(b)(ii): The gradient of the line of best fit on Fig. 2.2 is 2.64 s2 m–1. Use this value to determine g. g = m s–2 [2]

  15. Q2(b)(iii)

    June 2022 · Paper 3

    1 mark5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations2.2.1 Measurements and uncertainties
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3, question 2(b)(iii): Draw a line of worst fit on Fig. 2.2. [1]

  16. Q2(b)(iv)

    June 2022 · Paper 3

    3 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations2.2.1 Measurements and uncertainties
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3, question 2(b)(iv): Use your line of worst fit to calculate the percentage uncertainty in g. percentage uncertainty = % [3]

  17. Q5(a)(ii)

    June 2022 · Paper 3

    3 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3, question 5(a)(ii): The student models the average motion of the free electrons in the wire as simple harmonic motion. Use your answer to (i) to calculate the amplitude A of this m

  18. Q5(a)(iii)

    June 2022 · Paper 3

    2 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 3, question 5(a)(iii): Without further calculation, explain how the maximum acceleration of a free electron varies as the frequency f is adjusted, provided that the maximum alternatin

  19. Q6

    November 2021 · Paper 1

    1 mark5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 1, question 6: For a simple harmonic oscillator, the maximum speed is vmax when the amplitude is A. The frequency of the oscillations is f. Which expression is correct for thi

  20. Q17(b)

    November 2021 · Paper 1

    6 marks5.3.1 Simple harmonic oscillations3.4.2 Mechanical properties of matter
    The whole paper ↗
    November 2021 Paper 1, question 17(b): (b)* A student wants to determine the Young modulus E of the metal of the strip in (a). The student clamps the metal strip to the edge of a table using a G-clam
All 36 questions on Simple harmonic oscillations, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): A body moves with simple harmonic motion. Which graph shows the correct relationship between its period, T, and its amplitude, A? T 0 A 0 A T 0 A 0 B T 00 A C T
  2. June 2025, Paper 1, Q18(b)(ii) (2 marks): When the drum is released, it oscillates vertically. Explain why the oscillations are simple harmonic motion. [2]
  3. June 2025, Paper 1, Q18(b)(iii) (2 marks): Calculate the natural frequency f of the oscillations. f = Hz [2]
  4. June 2025, Paper 1, Q18(c) (6 marks): Part of a machine to generate electrical energy using waves is a cylindrical drum whose cross-section is shown below. The height of the drum is 2.0 m and its cr
  5. June 2024, Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): A mass suspended from a spring is pulled down 0.05 m from the equilibrium point and released. It oscillates in simple harmonic motion. The frequency of the moti
  6. June 2024, Paper 3, Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): The block now moves with simple harmonic motion. Calculate the frequency of this motion. frequency = Hz [3]
  7. June 2023, Paper 1, Q21(a)(iii) (2 marks): State and explain the effect, if any, of increasing the initial displacement on the period of the subsequent motion. [2]
  8. June 2023, Paper 1, Q21(b)(i) (2 marks): Describe two different errors in the table. 1 2 [2]
  9. June 2023, Paper 1, Q21(b)(ii) (2 marks): Plot the first data point from the table on the graph below. The other points have all been plotted. The table of results is repeated on the opposite page. Incl
  10. June 2023, Paper 1, Q21(b)(iii) (3 marks): Use the graph to determine the value of k. k = N m–1 [3]
  11. June 2022, Paper 1, Q20(b)(ii) (8 marks): When the gas supply is disconnected, the water levels in the U-tube oscillates with simple harmonic motion. The acceleration a of the water level in the left-ha
  12. June 2022, Paper 3, Q2(a) (2 marks): Describe how to determine accurately the period T of oscillations of this rod. [2]
  13. June 2022, Paper 3, Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): Show that the gradient of the graph is given by the equation gradient = 8π 2 3g [2]
  14. June 2022, Paper 3, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): The gradient of the line of best fit on Fig. 2.2 is 2.64 s2 m–1. Use this value to determine g. g = m s–2 [2]
  15. June 2022, Paper 3, Q2(b)(iii) (1 mark): Draw a line of worst fit on Fig. 2.2. [1]
  16. June 2022, Paper 3, Q2(b)(iv) (3 marks): Use your line of worst fit to calculate the percentage uncertainty in g. percentage uncertainty = % [3]
  17. June 2022, Paper 3, Q5(a)(ii) (3 marks): The student models the average motion of the free electrons in the wire as simple harmonic motion. Use your answer to (i) to calculate the amplitude A of this m
  18. June 2022, Paper 3, Q5(a)(iii) (2 marks): Without further calculation, explain how the maximum acceleration of a free electron varies as the frequency f is adjusted, provided that the maximum alternatin
  19. November 2021, Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): For a simple harmonic oscillator, the maximum speed is vmax when the amplitude is A. The frequency of the oscillations is f. Which expression is correct for thi
  20. November 2021, Paper 1, Q17(b) (6 marks): (b)* A student wants to determine the Young modulus E of the metal of the strip in (a). The student clamps the metal strip to the edge of a table using a G-clam
  21. November 2021, Paper 1, Q21(a) (4 marks): One end of a spring is fixed to a support. A toy car, which is on a smooth horizontal track, is pushed against the free end of the spring. The spring compresses
  22. November 2020, Paper 1, Q22(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the displacement, in cm, at time t = 0.60 s. displacement = cm [3]
  23. November 2020, Paper 1, Q22(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the maximum speed of the oscillating cylinder. maximum speed = m s–1 [2]
  24. November 2020, Paper 1, Q22(b)(iii) (2 marks): The cylinder is now pushed down further into the liquid before being released. As before, the cylinder oscillates with simple harmonic motion. State the effect
  25. November 2020, Paper 3, Q5(b) (3 marks): The electromagnetic wave is caused by electrons oscillating in the transmitter aerial. Each electron oscillates with simple harmonic motion. Calculate the maxim
  26. June 2019, Paper 1, Q4 (1 mark): A simple harmonic oscillator has maximum speed 24 m s–1 and amplitude 5.6 cm. 4 What is its angular frequency? 0.23 rad s–1 A 21 rad s–1 B 68 rad s–1 C 430 rad
  27. June 2019, Paper 1, Q18(a)(i) (3 marks): Use the defining equation for simple harmonic motion to show that the natural frequency f0 of the mass-spring system is about 1.4 Hz. [3]
  28. June 2019, Paper 1, Q18(a)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the amplitude A of the oscillations. A = m [2]
  29. June 2018, Paper 1, Q4 (1 mark): The acceleration a of a simple harmonic oscillator is related to its displacement x by the equation a = − 25 x. What is the frequency of the oscillator? A 0.80
  30. June 2018, Paper 3, Q2(a) (3 marks): Calculate the maximum displacement of the sphere in the strongest wind. maximum displacement = m [3]
  31. June 2018, Paper 3, Q2(c)(i) (3 marks): Show that the force constant k of the spring combination is about 6 × 105 N m−1. [3]
  32. June 2017, Paper 1, Q19(a)(i) (3 marks): Show that the period T of the oscillations is given by the expression 2 4 r 2 T g L . = [3]
  33. June 2017, Paper 1, Q19(b) (6 marks): This question is about a simple pendulum made from a length of string attached to a mass (bob). For oscillations of small amplitude, the acceleration a of the p
  34. June 2017, Paper 1, Q19(c)(i) (2 marks): Show that the length of the pendulum required for a tick of 1.0 s is about 1 m. [2]
  35. June 2017, Paper 1, Q19(c)(ii) (2 marks): If the pendulum clock were to be used on the Moon, explain whether this clock would run on time compared with an identical clock on the Earth. [2]
  36. June 2017, Paper 3, Q5(a)(ii) (4 marks): Calculate 1 the maximum speed vmax of the oscillating particles in the sound wave vmax = m s–1 [2] 2 the root mean square speed cr.m.s. of the air molecules in

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