Learning objectives
Describe an oscillation by its amplitude, period, frequency and angular frequency ω = 2πf = 2π/T, and express the phase difference between two oscillations in radians.
State the defining condition for simple harmonic motion, a = −ω²x, and use x = x₀ sin ωt as its solution.
Calculate velocity with v = v₀ cos ωt and v = ±ω√(x₀² − x²), and interpret the quarter-cycle phase shifts between the displacement, velocity and acceleration graphs and the straight-line a–x graph.
Sketch how kinetic, potential and total energy vary with displacement and time in SHM, and use E = ½mω²x₀² for the total energy.
Explain how resistive forces damp an oscillation, and sketch displacement–time graphs for light, critical and heavy damping.
Explain resonance as the maximum amplitude reached when a system is driven at its natural frequency, and describe how damping changes the resonance curve.
Continue with a revision plan
These learning objectives are available to everyone. Sign in with an eligible plan to read the full note and worked examples.