Oscillations: past paper questions
Real questions on oscillations
The newest 20 of 237 written questions, plus 8 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(iv)[1]
Explain, with reference to the equation in (c)(iii), why the motion of the shadow of the ball on the screen may be modelled as simple harmonic.
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1d(i)[1]
the amplitude amplitude = m
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1d(ii)[2]
the period period = s
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1d(iii)[2]
the maximum acceleration. maximum acceleration = m s –2
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q5a(i)[2]
Explain how Fig. 5.2 shows that the oscillations of the ball are simple harmonic.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q5a(ii)[3]
Determine the period T of the oscillations. T = s
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q5b(i)[2]
State what is meant by damping.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q5b(ii)[3]
On Fig. 5.3, sketch a possible variation of the displacement x of the ball with t between t = 0 and t = 2T. 1.5 x / cm 1.0 0.5 0 0 T – 0.5 t 2T – 1.0 – 1.5
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q7a(i)[1]
show that the period is 0.050 s (i)
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(i)[1]
Determine an expression, in terms of R and θ, for the displacement x of the shadow from P. x =
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(ii)[1]
The value of θ is zero at time t = 0. State an expression for θ in terms of ω and t. θ =
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(iii)[1]
Use your answers in (c)(i) and (c)(ii) to show that x is given by x = R sin ω t.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q1c(iv)[1]
Explain, with reference to the equation in (c)(iii), why the motion of the shadow of the ball on the screen may be modelled as simple harmonic.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q1d(i)[1]
the amplitude amplitude = m
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q1d(ii)[2]
the period period = s
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q1d(iii)[2]
the maximum acceleration. maximum acceleration = m s –2
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q1e[1]
On Fig. 1.1, draw, and label with the letter A, the position of the shadow on the screen when the shadow has its maximum positive acceleration.
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5a(i)[1]
Determine the amplitude of the oscillations. amplitude = m
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5a(ii)[1]
State what the line in Fig. 5.2 shows about the nature of the oscillations.
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5b[3]
State three other quantitative conclusions that can be drawn from Fig. 5.2 and Fig. 5.3 about the block and its oscillations. Use the space for any working.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
This question was well-answered by the candidates who knew the starting equation.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9702/42 Q4(b) (Cambridge)
Many candidates knew the correct equation for total energy, though various errors were seen in its use. These ranged from power-of-ten errors to forgetting which quantities needed to be squared. A common error from some of the weaker candidates was to use the maximum acceleration value from the previous part as the amplitude.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9702/42 Q4(c) (Cambridge)
This question was generally well answered. Among candidates that did not give the correct answer, the most common mistakes were misreading the scale, omission of the 10–15 factor, or forgetting to halve the peak–trough height.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9702/42 Q4(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.