Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can explain why displacement in SHM is measured from the equilibrium position, not from the end of the spring. (Guide: “Displacement as a function of time”)
- I can say where the velocity is zero and where the speed is largest, and explain why. (Guide: “Where the zeros and extremes are”; Practice Q1)
- I can explain why the acceleration is largest at the turning points and zero at equilibrium. (Guide: Figure 1; Practice Q1)
- I can explain why changing the amplitude does not change the period. (Guide: “Amplitude does not change the period”; Practice Q3, Q6)
Calculation
- I can choose between x = A cos(2πft) and x = A sin(2πft) from how the motion starts. (Guide: “Cosine or sine?”; Practice Q4)
- I can find the displacement at a given time with my calculator in radians. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q2)
- I can find the time when an oscillator first reaches a given displacement. (Guide: Worked example 1)
- I can calculate the acceleration of a spring–object system at any displacement, with the correct sign. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q5)
Reasoning and graphs
- I can read amplitude, period and frequency from a position–time graph or table. (Guide: Worked example 3; Practice Q4)
- I can sketch velocity–time and acceleration–time graphs that match a position–time graph. (Guide: Figure 1; Practice Q4)
- I can use an acceleration–displacement graph to show that motion is SHM and to find k/m and the period. (Guide: Figure 2; Practice Q7)
- I can use timing data to support or refute a claim about amplitude and period. (Practice Q6)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 7.4, Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators, or return to the course roadmap.