Describe simple harmonic motion (SHM). Sketch a displacement-time graph for a particle undergoing SHM and the corresponding velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs. Use these graphs to describe the relationship between accleration and displacment.

Simple harmonic motion is periodic motion in which a restoring force acts in the opposite direction to that of displacement and is directly proportional to the displacement.The displacement-time graph for SHM should be of sinusoidal form. As should the velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs but should be shifted by a half/full period in the x-direction respectively.Acceleration-time graph flipped in x-axis compared to displacement-time graph. Therefore, acceleration is in the opposite direction but equal in magnitude (hence directly proportional) to displacement. Student should recognise that restoring force = mass * acceleration hence, relate these statements to those in the definition of SHM above.

DG
Answered by David G. Physics tutor

4705 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

If a car is travelling over a curved hill, what is the maximum speed it can travel before losing contact with the road surface?


What are Newton's three laws?


Given a graph of the displacement of a particle, how can you tell if it is in Simple Harmonic Motion?


An ideal gas undergoes a transformation in which both its pressure and volume double. How many times does the root mean square speed of the gas molecules increase?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning