(a) Give an equation for the frequency, f, of the oscillations of a simple pendulum in terms of its

8 length, l, and the acceleration due to gravity, g.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

State the condition under which this equation applies.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) The bob of a simple pendulum, of mass 1.2 × 10–2 kg, swings with an amplitude of 51 mm.
It takes 46.5 s to complete 25 oscillations. Calculate

(i) the length of the pendulum,

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) the magnitude of the restoring force that acts on the bob when at its maximum
displacement.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(6)
(Total 8 marks)

Page 16 of 34
 (ii) maximum ke = ( ½ mvmax2) = 2.0 × 10–2 gives

vmax2 = ✓ (= 0.114 m2s–2) and vmax = 0.338 (m s–1) ✓

vmax = 2πfA gives A = ✓

and A = 4.3(0) × 10–2 m ✓ i.e. about 40 mm

[or maximum ke = (½ mvmax2) = ½ m (2πfA)2 ✓

½ × 0.35 × 4π2 × 1.252 × A2 = 2.0 × 10–2 ✓

∴ A2 = ✓ ( = 1.85 × 10–3 )

and A = 4.3(0) × 10–2 m ✓ i.e. about 40 mm ]

[or maximum ke = maximum pe = 2.0 × 10–2 (J)
maximum pe = ½ k A2 ✓
∴ 2.0 × 10–2 = ½ × 21.6 × A2 ✓

from which A2 = ✓ ( = 1.85 × 10–3 )

and A = 4.3(0) × 10–2 m ✓ i.e. about 40 mm ]

First two schemes include recognition that f = 1 / T
i.e. f = 1 / 0.80 = 1.25 (Hz).
Allow ECF from wrong T value from (i) – 0.40s
gives A = 2.15 × 10–2m but mark to max 3.
Allow ECF from wrong k value from (i) –86.4Nm–1 gives
A = 2.15 × 10–2m but mark to max 3.
4
[14]

8 (a) (1)

Oscillations must be of small amplitude (1)

2

(b) (i) f= (1)

[or T = = 1.8(6) (s)]

[or ] (1)

l = 0.85(9)m (1)
(allow C.E. for values of f or T)

Page 27 of 34
 (ii) amax{= (–)(2πf)2A} = (2π × 0.538)2 × 51 × 10–3 (1)

(= 0.583 ms–2)
(allow C.E. for value of f from (i))

Fmax(= mamax) = 1.2 × 10–2 × 0.583 (1)

= 7.0 × 10–3N (1)

(6.99 × 10–3N)

[or Fmax(= mg sin θmax) where sin θmax= (1)

= 1.2 × 10–2 × 9.81 × (1)

= 6.99 × 10–3N (1)]

6
[8]

C
9
[1]

C
10
[1]

D
11
[1]

C
12
[1]

B
13 [1]

Page 28 of 34