Lesson 08
Test
Assess circular motion and oscillations understanding.
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 test checks the full A1 topic: angular motion, centripetal force, simple harmonic motion, energy, damping, and resonance.
What You Need to Know
- Show your method clearly when using circular-motion and SHM equations.
- Include directions in force, acceleration, and SHM explanations where they matter.
- Use graph evidence carefully rather than relying only on memorised descriptions.
- Keep units consistent, especially radians, seconds, metres, and newtons.
How to Work Through It
- Read each question carefully and identify whether it is circular motion, SHM, or damping.
- Write down the known quantities before choosing an equation.
- Draw or annotate diagrams and graphs when direction or phase is important.
- Check your final answers for units, significant figures, and physical sense.
Check Your Understanding
- Can you choose the correct equation without being prompted by the lesson title?
- Can you explain the direction of the resultant force or acceleration?
- Can you interpret SHM and damping graphs using precise vocabulary?
Common Mistakes
- Leaving out the inward direction of centripetal acceleration or force.
- Using diameter instead of radius.
- Mixing angular speed with linear speed.
- Treating resonance, forced oscillation, and damping as interchangeable ideas.
Next Steps
- Use the review lesson to correct mistakes and identify which A1 skills need more practice.
- Keep your working visible so feedback can target the exact weak step.