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AP®PhysicsCollege BoardPhysics 1: Algebra-BasedExam QuestionsUnit 7: OscillationsSimple Harmonic Motion

Simple Harmonic Motion (College Board AP® Physics 1: Algebra-Based)

Exam Questions

5 mins5 questions
1
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A metal object connected to the end of a spring of spring constant k oscillates with amplitude A on a horizontal, frictionless surface. A coin is placed on the metal object, such that the two have a combined mass of M subscript t o t end subscript. The coefficient of static friction between the coin and the metal object is mu subscript s.

Which of the following shows the position of oscillation at which the coin could slip on the metal object and the value of the coefficient of static friction required for this to happen?

Position of Oscillation

Coefficient of Static Friction

A

Amplitude Position

mu subscript s space less than space fraction numerator k A over denominator M subscript t o t end subscript g end fraction

B

Equilibrium Position

mu subscript s space less than space fraction numerator k A over denominator M subscript t o t end subscript g end fraction

C

Amplitude Position

mu subscript s space less than space fraction numerator M subscript t o t end subscript g over denominator k A end fraction

D

Equilibrium Position

mu subscript s space less than space fraction numerator M subscript t o t end subscript g over denominator k A end fraction

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    2
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    An block of mass m is suspended from a vertical spring of spring constant k. When the system is in equilibrium, the spring has a length of 20 cm. The block is displaced 12 cm from its equilibrium position before it is released.

    If the initial displacement is defined as the positive direction, which of the following expressions correctly describes the acceleration of the block at the instant it is released?

    • negative fraction numerator 0.32 m over denominator k end fraction

    • negative fraction numerator 0.12 k over denominator m end fraction

    • fraction numerator 0.12 k over denominator m end fraction

    • fraction numerator 0.32 k over denominator m end fraction

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    3
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    A pendulum displaced from amplitude A oscillates at frequency f.

    If the pendulum is stopped and displaced from a new amplitude of fraction numerator 3 A over denominator 2 end fraction, which of the following correctly describes the period of this new motion?

    • fraction numerator 3 f over denominator 2 end fraction

    • fraction numerator 2 over denominator 3 f end fraction

    • space f

    • 1 over f

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    41 mark

    A spring-object harmonic oscillator consists of an object of mass m and a spring of constant k. A pendulum, suspended from a horizontal rod, has a period equal to half of the spring-object oscillator's period and a maximum angular displacement of 6°.

    Which of the following expressions correctly represents the minimum vertical distance between the pendulum bob and the rod?

    • m g open parentheses fraction numerator 1 over denominator 4 k end fraction close parentheses cos open parentheses 6 degree close parentheses

    • m g open parentheses fraction numerator 1 over denominator 4 k end fraction close parentheses

    • 4 m g open parentheses 1 over k close parentheses sin open parentheses 6 degree close parentheses

    • 2 m g open parentheses 1 over k close parentheses cos open parentheses 6 degree close parentheses

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    5
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    A simple pendulum and a mass-spring system oscillate about their equilibrium positions with simple harmonic motion. On Earth, the period of both oscillations is T. The pendulum and the mass-spring system are taken to Mars, which is a less massive planet.

    Which of the following rows best describes the period of the pendulum and the mass-spring system on Mars?


    Simple Pendulum

    Mass-spring System

    A

    T

    greater than T

    B

    T

    T

    C

    greater than T

    greater than T

    D

    greater than T

    T

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