Velocity (OCR A Level Physics)

Revision Note

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Katie M

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Velocity of an Oscillator

  • The velocity of an object in simple harmonic motion varies as it oscillates back and forth

    • Since velocity is a vector, the velocity of the oscillator is its speed in a certain direction

  • The maximum velocity of an oscillator is at the equilibrium position i.e. when its displacement is 0 (x = 0)

  • The velocity of an oscillator in SHM is defined by:

v = v0 cos(⍵t)

  • Where:

    • v = velocity (m s-1)

    • v0 = maximum velocity (m s-1)

    • ⍵ = angular frequency (rad s-1)

    • t = time (s)

  • This is a cosine function if the object starts oscillating from the equilibrium position (x = 0 when t = 0)

  • How the velocity v changes with the oscillator’s displacement x is defined by:

Calculating Speed of an Oscillator equation 1
  • Where:

    • x = displacement (m)

    • x0 = amplitude (m)

    • ± = ‘plus or minus’. The value can be negative or positive

  • This equation shows that when an oscillator has a greater amplitude x0, it has to travel a greater distance in the same time and hence has greater velocity, v

  • When the velocity is at its maximum (at x = 0), the equation becomes:

v0 = ⍵x0

Speed SHM graph, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

The variation of the speed of a mass on a spring in SHM over one complete cycle

Worked Example

A simple pendulum oscillates with simple harmonic motion with an amplitude of 15 cm. The frequency of the oscillations is 6.7 Hz.

Calculate the speed of the pendulum at a position of 12 cm from the equilibrium position.

Answer:

Step 1: Write out the known quantities

  • Amplitude of oscillations, x0 = 15 cm = 0.15 m

  • Displacement at which the speed is to be found, x = 12 cm = 0.12 m

  • Frequency, f = 6.7 Hz

Step 2: Oscillator speed with displacement equation

Calculating Speed of an Oscillator equation 1
  • Since the speed is being calculated, the ± sign can be removed as direction does not matter in this case

Step 3: Write an expression for the angular frequency

  • Equation relating angular frequency and normal frequency:

⍵ = 2πf = 2π× 6.7 = 42.097…

Step 4: Substitute in values and calculate

Calculating Speed of an Oscillator Worked equation 2

v = 3.789 = 3.8 m s-1 (2 s.f)

Examiner Tips and Tricks

You often have to convert between time period T, frequency f and angular frequency ⍵ for many exam questions – so make sure you revise the equations relating to these:

9-1-3-equations-for-shm-1-ib-hl

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.