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Next exam on November 14 – 15, 2026:
All concepts

Oscillation and Mechanical Waves

机械振动与机械波

Simple harmonic motion — its definition, graphs and the spring-oscillator model — how oscillation relates to waves, and the relation between wavelength, frequency and wave speed.

8 real-exam questions · 4 sittings13 in mock papers39 practice

Formulas

  • Wave speed, wavelength and frequency

    Formula
    v=λf=λTv=\lambda f=\frac{\lambda}{T}

    Applies when：Speed is set by the medium and frequency by the source; frequency is unchanged on entering a new medium

How the real exam tests it

Questions from real CSCA papers that test this concept. Work each one out before you open the answer.

  1. CSCA Physics December 2025 Past Paper
    A spring-mass system undergoes simple harmonic motion. The time taken for one complete oscillation is 2 seconds. The frequency of this spring-mass system is ( ).
    • A．2 Hz
    • B．0.5 Hz
    • C．0.2 Hz
    • D．5 Hz
    Show answer & solution

    Answer: B

    1 Frequency f=1/T=1/2 s=0.5 Hz\mathrm { f } = 1 / \mathrm { T } = 1 / 2 \mathrm {~s} = 0.5 \mathrm {~Hz}.
    See it in the full CSCA Physics December 2025 Past Paper
  2. CSCA Physics March 2026 Past Paper
    A spring oscillator: amplitude 5 cm , period 4 s . Starting from equilibrium, distance traveled in 2 s is
    • A．5 cm
    • B．10 cm
    • C．15 cm
    • D．20 cm
    Show answer & solution

    Answer: B

    2 s=T/22 \mathrm {~s} = \mathrm { T } / 2. From equilibrium to extreme (5 cm)( 5 \mathrm {~cm} ) then back (5 cm)( 5 \mathrm {~cm} ). Total path =10 cm= 10 \mathrm {~cm}. Note: path ≠\neq displacement (displacement =0= 0 here). Answer: B.
    Take the full CSCA Physics March 2026 Past Paper — timed & graded
  3. CSCA Physics April 2026 Past Paper
    A spring oscillator completes one full oscillation in 0.5 s . Its frequency is
    • A．0.5 Hz
    • B．1 Hz
    • C．4 Hz
    • D．2 Hz
    Show answer & solution

    Answer: D

    f=1T=10.5=2 Hzf = \frac { 1 } { T } = \frac { 1 } { 0.5 } = 2 \mathrm {~Hz}.
    Take the full CSCA Physics April 2026 Past Paper — timed & graded

Real-exam evidence

Recorded past-paper appearances are listed below; online verification is labelled separately.

8 questions across 4 sittings1 of 4 sittings available to verify free online

13 questions across 6 mock papers — our own papers, so a coverage signal rather than real-exam evidence

39 related practice questions availablePractise free: Simple Harmonic Motion and Mechanical Waves

Sitting evidence comes from the CSCA past papers on record; questions whose original paper is missing are excluded, and sprint papers are deliberately not counted.