Simple harmonic motion via differential equations

What this note covers

1. 1. Deriving the SHM differential equation
2. 2. Solving the ODE — general solution
3. 3. Amplitude, period, frequency and phase
4. 4. Velocity as a function of displacement
5. 5. Energy methods in SHM
6. 6. Verifying and identifying SHM
7. 7. Fully worked exam-style problem and exam technique

7 sections · 12 key terms & formulas · 5 common mistakes