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A2 · Topic 17

The rhythm of oscillations.

Simple harmonic motion and its defining condition, the interchange of kinetic and potential energy, and what damping and resonance do to a real oscillator. Play the three simulations below. The gamified lessons and the topic Paper 4 practice are live below too.

Simulations · live
Interactive · live Simple harmonic motion The defining condition a = −ω²x, with displacement, velocity and acceleration plotted together. Loads only when you launch, so the page stays fast.
Interactive · live Energy in simple harmonic motion Kinetic and potential energy trading places while the total stays constant at ½mω²x₀². Loads only when you launch, so the page stays fast.
Interactive · live Damping and resonance Sweep the driving frequency to find resonance, then add damping and watch the peak fall and broaden. Loads only when you launch, so the page stays fast.
Paper 4 practice · live
Structured questions · with worked solutions Ten original Paper 4 style questions A full topic set across SHM, energy in SHM, and damping and resonance, with questions linking the lessons within the topic and full worked solutions. Open practice →
Lessons · live
Simple harmonic motion → Energy in simple harmonic motion → Damping and resonance →
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