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Unit 7: Oscillations

Representing and Analyzing SHM

Solve the SHM differential equation with x = A cos(ωt + φ), get velocity and acceleration from it, and read extrema and zeros off equations and graphs.

Topic 7.3 · 8 min read

This lesson comes with the AP Physics C: Mechanics plan

In this lesson

  1. 01The differential equation and its solution
  2. 02Velocity and acceleration come from derivatives
  3. 03Why a cosine: the reference circle
  4. 04Fitting A and φ to how the motion starts
  5. 05Worked examples
  6. 06Where students lose points
  7. 07On the exam

The first units’ lessons are free. The plan opens every lesson, every practice question with worked solutions, your study plan and calendar, for $14.49 a month. Cancel any time.

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