# A mass is attached to a spring and set into simple harmonic motion by being pulled down and released. Describe the motion of the mass, including how displacement, velocity, and restoring force change during one complete oscillation.

> WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales) — 5.1 Simple harmonic motion · Describe · 5 marks

> A mass hanging on a vertical spring is pulled downwards from its equilibrium position and released. It then oscillates up and down in simple harmonic motion.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The mass oscillates about the equilibrium (undisturbed) position
2. The restoring force always acts towards the equilibrium position / opposes displacement
3. Restoring force (and acceleration) is greatest at maximum displacement / at the amplitude
4. Velocity is zero at maximum displacement (amplitude) and greatest/maximum at the equilibrium position
5. One complete oscillation returns the mass to its starting position with the same displacement / the motion repeats with a fixed time period

## Key terms

- [simple harmonic motion](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/simple-harmonic-motion)
- [displacement](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/displacement)
- [restoring force](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/restoring-force)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-mass-is-attached-to-a-9dcbafb9) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.