Worksheet
Practice PPQs
Practice questions
Open resourceLesson 07
Revision
Review the full circular motion and oscillations topic before assessment.
Objectives
Lesson outcomes
- Retrieve the key definitions, equations, and graph features for circular motion and SHM.
- Practise mixed questions that require choosing between circular-motion and oscillation models.
- Identify the parts of the A1 topic that need focused revision before the test.
Syllabus
CIE 9702 syllabus points
17 linked
- 12.1.1 define the radian and express angular displacement in radians
- 12.1.2 understand and use the concept of angular speed
- 12.1.3 recall and use ω = 2π / T and v = rω
- 12.2.1 understand that a force of constant magnitude that is always perpendicular to the direction of motion causes centripetal acceleration
- 12.2.2 understand that centripetal acceleration causes circular motion with a constant angular speed
- 12.2.3 recall and use a = rω2 and a = v2 / r
- 12.2.4 recall and use F = mrω2 and F = mv2 / r
- 17.1.1 understand and use the terms displacement, amplitude, period, frequency, angular frequency and phase difference in the context of oscillations, and express the period in terms of both frequency and angular frequency
- 17.1.2 understand that simple harmonic motion occurs when acceleration is proportional to displacement from a fixed point and in the opposite direction
- 17.1.3 use a = – ω2 x and recall and use, as a solution to this equation, x = x0 sin ωt
- 17.1.4 use the equations v = v0 cos ωt and v = ± ω (x02 − x 2)
- 17.1.5 analyse and interpret graphical representations of the variations of displacement, velocity and acceleration for simple harmonic motion
- 17.2.1 describe the interchange between kinetic and potential energy during simple harmonic motion 1
- 17.2.2 recall and use E = 2 mω2 x02 for the total energy of a system undergoing simple harmonic motion
- 17.3.1 understand that a resistive force acting on an oscillating system causes damping
- 17.3.2 understand and use the terms light, critical and heavy damping and sketch displacement–time graphs illustrating these types of damping
- 17.3.3 understand that resonance involves a maximum amplitude of oscillations and that this occurs when an oscillating system is forced to oscillate at its natural frequency
Definitions
Required definitions
Radian
the angle subtended at the centre of a circle by an arc equal in length to the radius.
Lesson Notes
Student guidance and lesson notes
Overview
This lesson is for bringing the full A1 topic together before assessment. You should be able to move between angular motion, centripetal force, SHM equations, energy, damping, and resonance without treating them as separate checklists.
What You Need to Know
- Circular-motion questions usually depend on a clear radius, angular speed, and inward resultant force.
- SHM questions usually depend on the link between displacement, acceleration, phase, and energy.
- Graph interpretation is a major part of the topic, especially for SHM and damping.
- Strong revision means choosing equations from the physical situation, not from keyword matching.
How to Work Through It
- Start with quick retrieval of definitions and equations from both halves of the topic.
- Work through mixed past-paper questions without sorting them by lesson first.
- Mark each question for both physics understanding and mathematical accuracy.
- Finish by writing a short target list for the test.
Check Your Understanding
- Can you explain the difference between linear speed and angular speed?
- Can you identify the source of centripetal force in a new situation?
- Can you connect SHM equations to displacement, velocity, and acceleration graphs?
- Can you describe damping and resonance using precise exam language?
Common Mistakes
- Revising circular motion and SHM separately without practising mixed questions.
- Memorising equations without checking whether v, omega, r, x, or x0 is being used.
- Losing marks on direction, signs, or graph phase relationships.
- Describing damping and resonance too vaguely for A Level marking points.
Next Steps
- Use the linked practice questions to target weak subtopics.
- Bring your marked corrections and remaining questions into the topic test.
Lesson Resources
Materials for this lesson
Use these videos, slide decks, documents, or links to work through the lesson.