Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can choose a system that includes the spring and explain why the block alone does not have constant energy. (Guide: “The system and its energy”)
- I can explain where kinetic energy is greatest and where it is zero, and why potential energy is greatest at the turning points. (Guide: “Trading energy back and forth”; Practice Q1)
- I can explain why K and U each repeat every half period. (Guide: “Energy against time”; Practice Q2)
- I can explain why a vertical spring has the same energy pattern when y is measured from the hanging equilibrium. (Guide: “Vertical springs and pendulums”)
Calculation
- I can show that dE/dt = 0 from Newton’s second law, and that K + U = ½kA² from x(t). (Guide: “Why the total energy is constant”; Practice Q5)
- I can use E = ½kA² = ½mv_max² to find the amplitude, maximum speed or spring constant. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q4)
- I can find the speed at any position from K = ½k(A² − x²), and the positions where K and U are in a given ratio. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q4(c)–(d))
- I can find the amplitude from a starting position and velocity using energy. (Guide: Worked example 2)
Reasoning with representations
- I can read turning points, K and U from an energy–position graph. (Guide: Figure 1; Practice Q4)
- I can sketch K, U and E against time on the same axes. (Guide: Figure 2; Practice Q5(c))
- I can linearise speed–position data to find k and E. (Practice Q6)
- I can predict how E, v_max and T change when A, m or k changes, including after a sudden push. (Guide: “Changing the amplitude, mass or spring”; Practice Q3, Q7)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 7.5, Simple and Physical Pendulums, or return to the course roadmap.