93/01(a)

Semester 1, 2009

THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

PHYS 1001
PHYSICS 1 (REGULAR)
Solutions
JUNE 2010
Time allowed: THREE Hours
MARKS FOR QUESTIONS ARE AS INDICATED
TOTAL: 90 MARKS
INSTRUCTIONS
All questions are to be answered.
Use a separate answer book for section A and section B.
All answers should include explanations in terms of physical principles.

DATA
Density of fresh water

1.000 103 kg.m 3

Free fall acceleration at earth's surface

g =

9.80 m.s 2

Gravitational constant

G =

6.67 1011 N.m 2 .kg 2

Speed of light in a vacuum

c =

3.00 108 m.s 1

Speed of sound in air

v =

344 m.s 1

Avogadro constant

NA =

6.023 1023 mol1

Universal gas constant

R =

8.314 J.mol1.K 1

Boltzmann constant

k =

1.380 1023 J.K 1

Stefan-Boltzmann constant

5.67 108 W.m 2 .K 4

Page 1 of 1

ADV_Q01=REG_Q01
Question 1
A mass of 2m is connected to two masses of mass m and 3m as shown below. The strings
connecting the masses are light. The pulleys and the slopes are frictionless.

(a)

Draw separate free body diagrams for each of the masses, taking care to identify all forces
acting.

(b)

If the angles of the slopes are = 30 D, and the system is released from rest, does the
hanging mass 2m remain where it is, accelerate upwards or accelerate downwards? Justify
your answer.
(5 marks)

Solution
(a)

(1 mark for left diagram; mark each for similar right diagrams)
(b)
Take vertically upwards as the positive direction for the 2m mass and downwards along the slope
as the positive direction for the m and 3m masses
Apply Newtons Second Law to the 2m mass as follows:
T1 + T2 2 m g = 2m a
T1 + T2 = 2m a + 2 m g
Apply Newtons Second Law to the m mass as follows:
T1 m g sin = m a
T1 = m g sin m a
Apply Newtons Second Law to the 3m mass as follows:
T2 3m g sin = 3m a
T2 = 3m g sin 3m a
Equation (1) Equation (2) Equation (3)
(T1 + T2 ) T1 T2
= (2 m a + 2 m g ) (ma mg sin ) (3 m a 3 m g sin )
6 m a + 2 m g 4 m g sin
=0
6 m a = 2 m g 4 m g sin
a = ( g 2 g sin ) / 3
For = 30D we have sin = 0.5

(1)

(2)

(3)

a = ( g 2 g (0.5)) / 3 = 0 .
So the system is in equilibrium.

Alternate Derivation
With insight, assume system is equilibrium and calculate tensions T1 and T2 finding that
4 m g sin = 2 m g
(1 mark for answer; 2 marks for valid justification)

REG_Q02
Question 2

A projectile of mass 2 m is fired with a speed u at an angle above the horizontal. At the
highest point of its trajectory the projectile explodes into two fragments of equal mass, one of
which falls vertically with zero initial speed. The range of the projectile if it had not exploded is
R . Ignore air resistance.
(a)

Is momentum conserved during the explosion? Briefly explain your answer.

(b)

How far from the point of firing does the other fragment land, assuming that the terrain is
level? Express your answer in terms of R .

(b)

By what factor has the kinetic energy of the projectile changed just after the explosion
when compared with its value just before the explosion?
(5 marks)

Solution
(a)
Momentum is conserved during the explosion because the forces acting on the two fragments as
a result of the explosion are internal to the projectile system.
(1 mark)
(b)
The backward fragment falls at distance x1 = R / 2 from point of firing since at the highest point
the projectile has travelled half the range.
The centre of mass falls at distance R since the centre of mass is unaffected by the explosion,
which is internal to the projectile system.
Taking the origin at the launch point and from the centre of mass formula we derive the value for
x2 , the point at which the forward fragment lands.
m x + m2 x2
xcm = 1 1
m1 + m2

m 12 R + mx2
2m
1
2 R = 2 R + x2
R=

x2 = 32 R
The second fragment lands at 3R / 2 from the launch point.
Alternate method using conservation of momentum
Take ux as the horizontal velocity of the projectile just before the explosion and vx as the
velocity of the forward fragment just after the explosion.
Using conservation of momentum we have
2 m u x = m (0) + m vx
vx = 2 u x
We can treat the horizontal and vertical motions separately.
The project would have travelled a further distance R / 2 from the peak of the path until it hit the
ground. The forward fragment travels at twice the horizontal speed and hence goes a distance
2 R / 2 = R until it hits the ground.
The total distance that it has travelled from the origin is therefore R + R / 2 = 3R / 2
(2 marks)
(c)
Kinetic energy before explosion: 12 2 m u x 2 = m u x 2
Kinetic energy after explosion: 12 m vx 2 + 0
From conservation of momentum at explosion:
2 m u x = m vx + 0
vx = 2 u x
Therefore kinetic energy after explosion: 12 m vx 2 = 12 m ( 2 u x ) = 2 m u x 2
2

Therefore kinetic energy has increased by a factor 2.

(2 marks)

REG_Q03
Question 3

Albert stands on a rotating platform with his arms outstretched holding lead weights in each
hand. When Alberts arms are pulled radially inwards his angular velocity increases.
(a)

Justify the application of conservation of angular momentum to this situation.

(b)

Apply the conservation of angular momentum to this situation to explain the increase in
Alberts angular velocity.

(c)

If instead of pulling his arms inwards, Albert dropped the weights, describe what happens
to his motion. Justify your answer.
(5 marks)

Solution
(a)
There is no external angular torque acting on the system of Albert, the rotating platform, and the
weights. Therefore the angular momentum of the system will be conserved.
(1 mark)
(b)
I11 = I 2 2 ; the act of pulling arms inwards reduces the moment of inertia of the system. Hence
I 2 < I1 , therefore from the conservation law 2 > 1 and the angular velocity increases.
(1 mark)
(c)
Nothing happens. Alberts angular velocity remains unchanged.
(1 mark)
The system includes the weights. The angular momentum that they had before being dropped is
the same as after. Also, Alberts angular momentum before the weights were dropped is the same
as after. The fact that the weights horizontal component of motion is in a straight line after
dropping does not change the angular momentum. Hence nothing changes.
(2 marks)

ADV_Q04=REG_Q04
Question 4
(a)

Before giving you an injection, a physician swabs your arm with isopropyl alcohol, a
volatile liquid at room temperature.
(i)

Why does this make your arm feel cold?

Because of a fear of needles, you sit on a chair gripping the metal armrests with your
hands.
(ii)

Why do the metal armrests feel cool to the touch?

(b)

Use the concepts of the kinetic-molecular model to explain why the pressure of an ideal
gas in a container increases as heat is added to it.

(c)

Explain in terms of entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics why air molecules
in a sealed room do not spontaneously collect into one half of the room, occupying half
the volume and leaving a vacuum in the other half. Your answer should include
consideration of the number of microscopic states of the molecules in the room.
(5 marks)

Solution
(a)
(i)
Evaporative cooling To evaporate the alcohol requires heat (its latent heat of
vaporization). This comes from the persons skin leaving it cooler than before.
(1 mark)
(ii)

Conduction metal is a good thermal conductor, so it effectively transfers away the heat
from your hands.
(1 mark).

(b)
3
1
k T = K p = m v 2 avg which is the average translational kinetic energy of the
2
2
gas molecules. When heat is added to the gas, the average molecular speed increases and so does
T and p.
(1 mark)
pV = N k T and

(c)
Answer 1
The entropy statement of the Second Law says that the entropy of a closed system can never
decrease, so a closed system can never spontaneously undergo a process that decreases the
number of possible microstates.
S = k ln w
where, S is entropy and, w is the number of possible microstates. The Second Law states that
S 0 and so the number of microstates cannot decrease (which would be the case if all
molecules were in one half of the volume).
Answer 2
The Second Law states that the entropy or degree of disorder of a closed system increases or
remains constant. Putting all molecules into a half of the volume of the room corresponds to
greater order (i.e. decreased disorder). It is therefore inconsistent with The Second Law.
Answer 3
If N air molecules spontaneously collected in half the volume of the room, then the number of
possible microstates would decrease by a factor 2 N . The probability of finding a given molecule
in one half of the room is so the probability of finding all N molecules in half the room is
N

1
which for a large number of molecules is very small.
2
(2 marks for reasonable explanation)

REG_Q05
Question 5
The vertical displacement of a wave as a function of horizontal displacement x and time t is
given by

y( x, t ) = 0.5cos(6.3 x + 3.1 t ),

where x, y are in metres, t is in seconds.

(a)

Which of the following types of mechanical waves describes the wave: transverse,
longitudinal, neither, or both?

(b)

Calculate the wavelength of the wave.

(c)

Calculate the speed of the wave.

(d)

Another wave is generated in the same medium with a vertical displacement given by

y( x, t ) = 0.5cos(6.3 x + 3.1 t ).
Give a brief, qualitative description of this second wave compared to the one above.
(e)

Consider both waves travelling in the medium simultaneously. Give a brief, qualitative
description of the resultant wave behaviour.
(5 marks)

Solution
(a)
The wave is a transverse wave
(1 mark)
(b)
The wavelength is given by
2
=
= 1.0 m.
6.3
(1 mark)
(c)
The speed is given by

v=

( 3.1/ 2 )

= 0.5 m.s 1.
(1 mark)

(d)
The second wave is identical to the first, but travelling in the opposite direction.
(1 mark)
(e)
Using the principle of superposition, the resultant wave is a standing wave.
(1 mark)

REG_Q06
Question 6
(a)

Two equal masses are attached to separate identical vertical springs next to one another
(see diagram below). One mass is pulled so its spring stretches 20 cm and the other
pulled so its spring stretches only 10 cm. The masses are released simultaneously. Which
mass passes the equilibrium position first? Justify your answer in physical terms.

(b)

The string of a guitar with fundamental frequency, 256 Hz, is plucked while two tuning
forks (two-pronged forks which can vibrate with a pure musical tone, see picture below)
are on a table nearby. The natural frequencies of the two tuning forks are 512 Hz and 384
Hz, respectively, and they are silent before the string is plucked. Discuss whether you
think either of the tuning forks will start to vibrate and why.

(5 marks)

Solution
(a)
The spring-mass systems are identical, and the period of oscillation depends only on the force
k
which is therefore also the same for both systems. As they are
constant and the mass T =
m
released at the same time from maximum displacement they reach equilibrium at the same time
(they are always in phase).
Some students might mention that the extra displacement by one of the masses is exactly
matched/compensated by the extra force (and hence acceleration) because F = k x
(2 marks)
(b)
The harmonics of the guitar string are 256, 512, 768, 1024 Hzetc. When plucked the harmonic
content of the sound produced by the guitar will include components of all harmonics. The
tuning fork with natural frequency 512 Hz will therefore be able to resonate with the guitar string
while the other fork will remain silent.
(1 marks for correct answer; 2 marks for suitable justification)

FND_Q09=REG_Q07
Question 9 or 7

A ballistic pendulum can be used to determine the speed of a bullet fired into it. The above
diagram shows an example of such a pendulum.
A bullet of mass 0.10 kg is fired horizontally at a speed v into the block of wood of mass 1.0 kg,
which is suspended motionless from the ceiling by a string. The distance from the ceiling to the
point of impact at the centre of the block is 0.50 m . The bullet stops in the block.
(a)

(b)

Write an expression for the following quantities in terms of the initial speed of the bullet
v which is not yet known:
(i)

the kinetic energy of the bullet just before the impact;

(ii)

the momentum of the bullet just before the impact;

(iii)

the speed of the block (with the bullet embedded in it) just after the collision;

(iv)

the kinetic energy of the block (with the bullet embedded in it) just after the
collision.

Derive an expression for the maximum height h above the test position that the block
(with bullet embedded in it) reaches after the collision.

Suppose that a bullet is fired into the block with a speed such that the block rises until the string
is horizontal.
(c)

Calculate the value of the initial speed of the bullet.

(10 marks)

Solution
Deduct mark one time for missing units. No units are required when no specific values have
been substituted.
(a)
1
(i)
K = m v 2 = 0.050 v 2 J
2
(1 mark)
1
(ii)
p = m v = 0.10 v kg.m.s
(1 mark)
(iii) All forces are internal to the system, momentum is therefore conserved, and so
pafter = pbefore
Therefore
pafter = ( m + M ) vafter = m v
m
v
m+M
0.10
=
= 0.0909 v m.s 1
1.10
(1 mark for method, 1 mark for correct result)

vafter =

(iv)

The kinetic energy after the collision is

1
K = ( m + M ) vafter 2
2
= (0.5)(1.10)(0.0909 v 2 )
= 0.004545 v 2 J

(1 mark for method, 1 mark for correct result)

(b)
The block rises to a height h until all the kinetic energy is transformed into potential energy:
K = (m + M ) g h
= (1.10 ) (9.80)h = 10.78 h J

(2 marks for energy transformation: numerical value not required)

(c)
If the string is horizontal, then h = 50 cm = 0.50 m
so
0.004545v 2 = (10.78)(0.50) = 5.39
v 2 = 5.39 / 0.004545 = 1185.8
v = 34.4 m.s 1

(2 marks)

REG_Q08
Question 8

A 70 kg skier starts from rest at the top of a ski slope that is inclined at an angle of 10 degrees to
the horizontal. The slope is 200 m long and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the slope
and the skier is k = 0.075 .
(a)

Draw a diagram showing the forces acting on the skier as she slides down the hill
(Assume that she does not use her ski poles).

(b)

Calculate her acceleration down the slope.

(c)

Calculate her speed at the bottom of the slope.

(d)

Calculate the work done by each of the forces shown in your answer to part (a), during
the time that the skier comes down the slope.

(e)

Work is a measure of energy transfer. What are the energy transformations associated
with the work done by each of the forces in your answer to part (d)?
(10 marks)

Solution
m = 70 kg
(a)

= 10D

W =mg

WX = m g sin

k = 0.075

x = 200 m

WY = m g cos

f = k N
(3 marks)

(b)
Apply Newtons Second law to the X and Y directions.
+Y direction:
+X direction:
So therefore

= N WY = 0 N = m g cos

= WX f = ma X ma X = mg sin k m g cos

a X = g ( sin k cos )
= (9.80)(sin10D (0.075) cos10D ) = 0.98m.s 2 .
(2 marks)

(c)
Assume constant acceleration, speed at the bottom is therefore
v 2 = v0 2 + 2 a x
where v0 = 0.0 ;
a = 0.98 m.s 2
and therefore
v = (2)(0.98)(200) = (19.8) = 20 m.s 1.

x = 200m

(2 marks)

(d)
Work done by the normal force = 0 since the angle between the force and the displacement is
90D .
Work done by weight = m g x sin = (70)(9.80)(200)(sin10D ) = 2.4 104 J.
Work done by friction f x = k mgx cos = (0.075)(70)(200)(9.80)(cos10D ) = 1.0 104 J.
(2 marks)
(e)
Work done by weight causes an increase in the kinetic energy of the skier.
Work done by friction increases the internal energy of (heats) the snow and skier.
(1 mark)

REG_Q09
Question 9

A 1.00 mole sample of monatomic ideal gas contained in a cylinder with a movable piston goes
through a thermodynamic cycle composed of the following four thermodynamic processes:
(1)

The system starts from state A and after an adiabatic expansion process it reaches
state B;

(2)

The system starts from state B and after an isobaric compression process it
reaches state C;

(3)

The system starts from state C and after an adiabatic compression it reaches state
D;

(4)

The system starts from state D and returns to its initial state A after an isochoric
process.

The table below gives data for pressure, volume and temperature at various (but not all) points in
these processes.
Pressure
(Pa)
state A

8.00 10 4

state B

4.24 10 4

Volume
(m3)

Temperature
(K)

460
7.00 10 2

357

state C

5.80 10 2

296

state D

4.78 10 2

(a)

What is the volume of the ideal gas at the state A?

(b)

What is the pressure of the ideal gas at state D?

(c)

What is the temperature of the ideal gas at state D?

(d)

From state B to state C, what is the work done by the gas?

(e)

From state B to state C, how much heat leaves the gas?

(f)

Sketch a pV diagram to show the whole cyclic process A B C D .

(10 marks)

Solution
Slightly different results are obtained for = 1.67 or =

5
= 1.66..... Mark either as correct.
3

(a)
Ideal gas equation gives:
n RTA (1.00 mol)(8.314 J.mol 1.K 1 )(460 K)
VA =
=
= 4.78 102 m3 .
4
pA
(8.00 10 Pa)
(1 mark)
(b)
State B C is isobaric so
pC = pB = 4.24 10 4 Pa
State C D is adiabatic so
V
pD = pC C
VD
5
= since there are 3 degrees of freedom for an ideal monatomic gas.
3

(1 mark)

(1 mark)
5/3

(5.80 102 m3 )
= (4.24 104 Pa)
3
2
(4.78 10 m )
= (4.24 104 Pa)(1.213)5/3 = 5.85 104 Pa
(1 mark)
(c)
Ideal gas equation gives:
p V
(5.85 104 Pa)(4.78 102 m3 )
TD = D D =
= 336 K .
nR
(1.00 mol)(8.314 J.mol1.K 1 )
(1 mark)
(d)
W=

V2

p dV

V1

State B C is isobaric so pressure is constant and equal to pB = 4.24 10 4 Pa.

So
W = pB (VC VB ) = (4.24 104 Pa) ( 5.80 102 m3 7.00 102 m3 )
= (4.24 104 Pa)(1.20 102 m3 ) = 509 J
(1 mark)
(e)
Method 1
State B to State C is an isobaric (constant pressure) change for a monatomic gas. So

QBC = n C p (TC TB ) = (1.00 mol) (8.314 J.mol1.K 1 ) ( 296 K 357 K )

2

= 1270 J
Method 2
Change in internal energy for a monatomic gas is given by:
3
U bc = n CV (Tc Tb ) = n R (Tc Tb )
2
= (1.5)(1.00 mol)(8.314 J.mol1.K 1 )(296 K 357 K)

= 761J
Heat added to gas is given by
Q = U + W
= 761 509
= 1270 J
In either case, the amount of heat that leaves the gas is
1270 J.
(2 marks)
(f)

(only sketch required 2 marks)

ADV_Q10=REG_Q10
Question 10
(a)

An engineer has devised two heat engines, A and B, the detailed energy-flow diagrams of
which are shown below.

In the diagrams, TH is the temperature of a hot reservoir and TC is that of a cold

reservoir. QH and QC represent the quantities of heat absorbed and rejected by the
engine during one cycle. Check and explain whether both engines were designed by the
engineer using correct thermodynamic principles.
(b)

A man enters a sauna where the air temperature is Tair = 47 o C . His skin temperature is
Tskin = 36o C . Assuming he is completely naked and his skin surface area is A = 1.5 m 2 ,
calculate the net rate (in watts) at which the mans skin is heated by:

(i)

Conduction. Assume that the heat is conducted to the skin through a 10 mm thick
layer of air (thermal conductivity k = 0.024 W.m 1.K 1 );

(ii)

Radiation. Assume that the emissivity of the skin is given by e = 1.0 .

(iii)

In addition to the energy transferred to his skin, the man is also generating heat by
internal metabolic processes. If the total energy reaching his skin is at a rate of
300 W, at what rate (in litres per hour) must perspiration evaporate from the
mans skin in order to maintain a constant skin temperature? The heat of
vaporisation of water at 36 o C is 2.4 106 J.kg 1 .
(10 marks)

Solution
(a)

The First Law of Thermodynamics

Work Done

First Law

Consistent with First

Law

W = QH QC

Heat Engine A

600 J

400 J

no

Heat Engine B

500 J

500 J

yes

Engine B is consistent with the First Law but Engine A is not consistent with the First Law.
The Second Law of Thermodynamics (engine efficiency)
Maximum Efficiency
Efficiency
T
W
e=
emax = 1 C
QH
TH

Efficiency
e emax

Heat Engine A

0.60

0.50

no

Heat Engine B

0.50

0.40

no

Engine B violates the Second Law according to the maximum efficiency formula (which
incorporates the First Law in its derivation). Engine B is therefore not a viable engine.

The Second Law of Thermodynamics (entropy change)

Entropy Change
Stotal = S hot + Sengine + Scold
=

Consistent with
Second Law
S 0

Q
QH
+0+ C
TH
TC

Heat Engine A

1000
600
+0+
= +0.33 J.K 1
600
300

yes

Heat Engine B

1000
500
+0+
= 0.33 J.K 1
500
300

no

According to this analysis of the Second Law, Engine B is not viable but Engine A is. However,
Engine A is not compatible with the First Law and so is not a viable engine.
(Engine A: 1 mark for analysis and 1 mark for conclusion. No need to use Second Law if
stated as not viable because of violation of First Law.)
Engine B
(1 mark for analysis, 1 mark for conclusion)

(b)(i)
Rate of heating by conduction:
H =kA

(Tair Tskin )
L

47 K 36 K
= (0.024 W.m 1.K 1 )(1.5 m 2 )

0.01 m
= 39.6 = 40 W

(2 marks)
(ii)
Rate of radiative heating:
H = Ae (Tair 4 Tskin 4 )
= (1.5 m 2 )(1.0)(5.67 108 W.m 1.K 4 )(( 320K ) ( 309K ) )
4

= (1.5 m 2 )(1.0)(5.67 108 W.m 1.K 4 )(1.37 109 K 4 )

= 116 = 120 W
(2 marks)

(iii)
Q = m Lv

dm dQ / dt H tot
=
=
dt
Lv
Lv

(1 mark)
Rate of perspiration (mass) loss is given by:
H tot
300 J.s 1
=
= 1.25 104 kg.s 1
6
1
Lv
2.4 10 J.kg
( mark)
Rate of perspiration (volume) loss is given by:
dV 1.25 104 m3
=
= 1.25 107 m3 .s 1
dt
1000s
(this assumes fresh water with density 1000 kg.m 3 )
This is converted to L.hr 1 as
(1.25 107 ) (1000 ) (60)(60) = 0.45 L.h 1 (litres per hour)
( mark)
Some students will add answers to part (i) and (ii) to the 300 W . Give full marks if otherwise
correct.

REG_Q11=ADV_Q11
Question 11

Figure A shows a 1.0 m long pipe which is closed at one end and open at the other. The air in the
pipe is vibrating as a standing wave. Figure B shows a representation of the displacement of an
air molecule relative to its equilibrium position as a function of position x along the pipe at one
instant of time.
(a)

Copy Figure B and add to it a dashed line showing the displacement at a time one half
period later.

(b)

Make a new figure in your answer book, similar to Figure B but showing the pressure
variation as a function of position x along the pipe at the same instant of time as in
Figure B.

(c)

The speed of sound in air is 344 m.s 1 . Calculate the wavelength and frequency of the
standing wave mode shown in Figure B.

(d)

What is the fundamental frequency of the pipe?

The pipe is now filled with helium (speed of sound in helium is 965m.s 1 ).
(e)

What are the wavelength and frequency for the mode shown in Figure B in this case?
(10 marks)

Solution
(a)
The curve T / 2 later is the inverted curve as shown below (dashed line)

(2 marks)
(b)
The correct pressure curve should show pressure nodes where there are displacement anti-nodes
and vice versa. The pressure varies around atmospheric pressure p0 as in the diagram below.

(1 mark for this or same but upside down)

The correct phase would have the curve being less than atmospheric pressure at x = 0 as above.
The correct phase can be seen from the positive to negative transitions on the displacement
curve. While positive the displacement of molecules is in the + x direction and when then
negative the displacement is towards the x direction creating a higher than atmospheric
pressure around the transition point.
(1 mark for correct phase)
(c)

4m
= 0.8 m
5

(1 mark)
f =

344 m.s
0.8 m

= 430 Hz
(1 mark)

(d)
For fundamental
= 4.0 m
(1 mark)
f =

344 m.s
4m

= 86 Hz
(1 mark)

(e)
= 0.8 m
(1 mark)
f =

965 m.s 1
= (1206) 1210 Hz
0.8 m
(1 mark)

REG_Q12
Question 12

A block is attached to a horizontal spring with a spring constant of 5.0 kg.s 2 . The block is
displaced 0.5 m from equilibrium and released. The block exhibits simple harmonic motion
with a period of 4.0s . The block is moving on a frictionless surface, and the spring is of
negligible mass (see Figure A).
(a)

What is the mass of the block?

(b)

What is the velocity of the block 1.0 seconds after it is released? (Hint: Consider the
energy of the oscillating system).

The block is again displaced 0.5 m from its equilibrium position. At the instant it is released, it is
given an initial velocity of 1.0 m.s 1 in the direction toward its equilibrium position.
(c)

What is the amplitude of the blocks motion?

oscillating system).

(Hint: Consider the energy of the

The block is now vertically suspended by a 1.0 m long unstretchable string of negligible mass
(see Figure B). The block is displaced 5 degrees from its equilibrium position and oscillates as a
simple pendulum under the influence of Earths gravity.
(d)

What is the period of oscillation of the block?

The block is now displaced 70 degrees from equilibrium and is released.

(e)

Can the motion of the block be described as simple harmonic motion? Why or why not?
(10 marks)

Solution
(a)

T=

Using

= 2

k
m

solve for m
2

4.0
T
m= k
= 2.03= 2.0 kg
= 5.0
2
(2)(3.14)
2

(2 marks)
(b)
The block is at the equilibrium position ( x = 0 ) after 1.0 s which is a quarter of the period of the
oscillation.
(1 mark)
1
Energy at initial point x0 (entirely elastic potential energy) is: k x0 2 .
2
1
Energy at equilibrium point (entirely kinetic energy) is: m v 2 .
2
Energy is conserved and therefore
5.0
k
= 0.5
= 0.78 = 0.8 m.s 1.
v = x0
2.03
m
(1 mark, give mark for using the mass from part (a) even if it is wrong)
(c)
Use energy equation and v = 1.0 m.s 1 , x0 = 0.5 m .
Initial energy is:
1
1
k x0 2 + m v 2 .
2
2
Energy at the amplitude of the oscillation is:
1
k A2 .
2
These are equal so
1
1
1
k A2 = k x0 2 + m v 2
2
2
2
A = x0 2 +

mv 2
k

= (0.5) 2 +

(2.03)(1.0) 2
(5.0)

= 0.81 = 0.8 m
(1 mark for setting up problem with energy equation; 1 mark for answer)

(d)

T = 2

L
1.0
= (2)(3.14)
= 2.0s.
g
9.80
(2 marks)

(e)
The motion is not described as simple harmonic motion.
(1 mark)
A pendulum exhibits simple harmonic motion only when the displacement from equilibrium is
small (e.g. sin ).
(1 mark)