Simple Harmonic Motion Explorer – AP Physics 1

Learning Objectives

Describe position, velocity, acceleration in SHM

Calculate period of spring T = 2π√(m/k) and pendulum T = 2π√(L/g)

Relate energy transformations: KE ↔ PE

Observe phase relationships between x, v, a

Key Equations

x(t) = A cos(ωt)
v(t) = −Aω sin(ωt)
a(t) = −Aω² cos(ωt)
T = 2π/ω = 2π√(m/k)
E = ½kA² (total energy)