Theme C: Wave behaviour

IB Physics C.1 Simple harmonic motion: practice questions and video explanations

Oscillations in which acceleration is proportional to displacement and directed towards equilibrium, such as a mass on a spring and a simple pendulum.

SL and HL (with HL extension)

What you need to know for C.1 Simple harmonic motion

  • State the defining condition for simple harmonic motion
  • Use amplitude, period, frequency and equilibrium position
  • Calculate the period of a mass-spring system and a simple pendulum
  • Describe the interchange of kinetic and potential energy during an oscillation

HL extension: HL adds the phase angle and the full equations for displacement, velocity and energy in SHM.

C.1 Simple harmonic motion questions in the question bank

Exam-style questions
34
Multiple choice (Paper 1A style)
26
Structured (Paper 1B and 2 style)
8
Free to try
1

Every question has a mark scheme. Multiple-choice answers are marked instantly, and for structured questions you open the mark scheme part by part and award yourself the marks you earned. Most questions also have a step-by-step video explanation presented by an IB teacher or a former IB student.

Practising C.1 Simple harmonic motion needs Premium. Topic A (Space, time and motion) and uncertainties are free with a free account.

Practise C.1 (SL)Practise C.1 (HL)

Try a free C.1 Simple harmonic motion question

Real questions from the question bank. Choose an answer and check it, then see the mark scheme and the video explanation.

Free question · 1 of 1Topic C.1Paper 1 styleMedium
A particle undergoes simple harmonic motion of period T. At time t=0 the particle is at its equilibrium position.
What is t when the particle is at its greatest distance from the equilibrium position?
Choose your answer

More from theme C: Wave behaviour

Full practice papers

When you have practised by topic, sit a full SL or HL mock exam with Paper 1A, Paper 1B and Paper 2, or see every IB Physics topic.