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Deep Dive IBDP Physics: - C.2 Wave Model Teacher Resource Pack
Teaching Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) in the IBDP Physics curriculum offers the perfect opportunity to bridge mathematical precision with dynamic, real-world motion. However, concepts like amplitude, frequency, energy, and phase angle can be abstract for students without concrete visuals and data-based activities.
To make these ideas stick—and spark curiosity—we’ve created two targeted, experiment-driven resources:
Phase Angle and Displacement in a Simple Pendulum
Analyzing Amplitude, Frequency, and Energy Relationships in SHM
These activities provide your students with engaging ways to investigate SHM fundamentals, build essential graphing and analysis skills, and strengthen their understanding of key C.1 syllabus outcomes.
🕰️ Phase Angle and Displacement in a Simple Pendulum
Curriculum Connection: Topic C.1 – Simple Harmonic Motion | Circular Motion Link | Phase Angle and Oscillation
This lab activity demystifies phase angle by mapping it to real pendulum motion. Students use a simple string-and-bob setup to observe and calculate displacement, velocity, and phase as a function of time. Through hands-on experimentation, they see how the SHM cycle unfolds and gain confidence in interpreting and applying angular frequency relationships.
Key Learning Objectives:
Calculate phase angle (θ) using
Observe and analyze displacement and velocity at various points in the cycle
Visualize how phase angle in radians correlates with the oscillation timeline
Build accurate plots of displacement vs. phase angle for deep understanding
Activity Highlights:
Set up a simple pendulum with small amplitude to ensure SHM approximation
Record position and timing data at consistent intervals
Apply formulas like and to calculate angular frequency and phase
Plot position and phase to explore the sinusoidal nature of motion
Why Educators Love It:
Connects phase angle to tangible motion instead of abstract angles
Reinforces circular motion and SHM relationships
Builds students’ graphing, timing, and trigonometry skills, ideal for IAs
Sample Reflection Prompts:
What does a phase angle of 0, π/2, or π radians mean physically in the pendulum’s motion?
How does velocity vary with phase angle in SHM?
Why is radian measure more suitable than degrees in SHM calculations?
⚙️ Amplitude, Frequency, and Energy in SHM: A Mass-Spring Analysis
Curriculum Connection: Topic C.1 – SHM Energy Relationships | Kinetic and Potential Energy | Mechanical Energy
In this second resource, students explore how amplitude impacts energy in a mass-spring system, while reinforcing that frequency remains constant in ideal SHM. This activity focuses on the continuous exchange between kinetic and potential energy, and emphasizes how total mechanical energy is a function of amplitude squared—not frequency.
Key Learning Objectives:
Investigate the relationship between amplitude and total energy
Measure and calculate potential energy and kinetic energy at various positions
Demonstrate that frequency is independent of amplitude in ideal SHM
Graph energy distributions and analyze energy conservation in SHM
Activity Highlights:
Use a mass-spring system to vary amplitude while tracking motion
Record data using a stopwatch, ruler, and optional PhET simulations
Apply core equations:
Potential Energy:
Kinetic Energy:
Total Mechanical Energy:
Compare energy values at different amplitudes while tracking frequency
Why Educators Love It:
Helps students visualize energy transformation over time
Makes abstract equations meaningful through measurements
Ideal for promoting graphing and data analysis skills, supporting IA development
Suggested Questions:
Why does total mechanical energy increase with amplitude but not frequency?
At what points in the cycle is kinetic energy zero? When is potential energy zero?
How would friction or damping affect these relationships?
🔍 Why These SHM Resources Make a Difference
✔ IBDP-Aligned and IA-Ready
Both activities align directly with the C.1 Simple Harmonic Motion section of the IBDP Physics syllabus. Students engage in:
Using SHM equations to calculate angular frequency, phase, and energy
Performing graphical analysis of data
Building experimental design skills essential for the Internal Assessment (IA)
✔ Clear Conceptual Foundations
Rather than memorizing formulas, students see them in action. They understand:
How phase angle describes a point in motion
Why frequency doesn’t change with amplitude
What happens to energy as systems oscillate
✔ Engaging and Accessible
With simple materials (spring, mass, stopwatch, pendulum), both experiments are easy to set up and adapt for:
In-class demonstration
Student-led group work
Extension into simulation-based tasks.
🚀 Equip Your Students to Master Oscillatory Motion
By integrating these two SHM activities into your IBDP Physics curriculum, you’ll give students the opportunity to:
Visualize the abstract
Analyze the quantitative
Connect motion, energy, and phase into a single cohesive picture
Whether you’re introducing SHM, preparing for the IA, or reinforcing critical thinking, these resources will turn a traditionally tricky topic into a highlight of your physics course.
👉 Add these resources to your classroom toolkit today and help students understand the rhythm of oscillatory motion—one cycle at a time.
DP PHY C.2 Wave Model Teacher Resource Pack
$49.00
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