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Question 22M.2.HL.TZ1.6c

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Date May 2022 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 22M.2.HL.TZ1.6c
Level HL Paper 2 Time zone TZ1
Command term Outline Question number c Adapted from N/A
c.
[Maximum mark: 2]
22M.2.HL.TZ1.6c

A mass–spring system oscillates horizontally on a frictionless surface. The mass has an acceleration a when its displacement from its equilibrium position is x.

The variation of a with x is modelled in two different ways, A and B, by the graphs shown.


(c)

Outline, without calculation, the change to the time period of the system for the model represented by graph B when a is large.

[2]

Markscheme

time period increases ✓

 

because average ω «for whole cycle» is smaller

OR

slope / acceleration / force at large x is smaller

OR

area under graph B is smaller so average speed is smaller. ✓

Examiners report

Many candidates recognized that the time period would increase for B, and some were able to give a valid reason based on the difference between the motion of B and the motion of A. It should be noted that the prompt specified "without calculation", so candidates who simply attempted to calculate the time period of B did not receive marks.

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