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What is simple harmonic motion?
Physics
A-Level
England, Wales & NI

What is simple harmonic motion?

Simple harmonic motion is an oscillation where acceleration is directly proportional to displacement from equilibrium and always directed towards it. This is written a = −ω²x. The period does not depend on amplitude. A simple pendulum and a mass on a spring both show SHM, with T = 2π√(l/g) and T = 2π√(m/k).

Formula
a = −ω²x and T = 2π ÷ ω
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