Explain restoring motion
Connect Hooke’s law and Newton’s second law to proportional restoring acceleration.
AP Physics 1 · Unit 7 · Oscillations
Simple Harmonic Motion and Energy
Follow a spring through exact center crossings and turning points, compare energy stores, and test a new amplitude.
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Learn by doing
Three ideas you’ll put into motion
Track energy
Compare kinetic and spring potential energy at the center, endpoints and an intermediate point.
Test amplitude
Change the actual release displacement and compare recorded energy and speed.
The big idea
The key ideas, at a glance.
SHM needs proportional restoring acceleration
For an ideal spring, a = −(k/m)x, where x is displacement from equilibrium.
Energy changes form
K + Uₛ stays constant without dissipation. At equilibrium speed is greatest; at a turning point it is zero.
A quick comparison
Double amplitude while keeping mass and stiffness fixed.
Total energy becomes four times as large.
Teaching this topic?Classroom fit, AP connections, and support
- Classroom fit
- Use for a concept introduction, guided independent practice, or a projected class discussion.
- Before students begin
- Newton’s second law, Hooke’s law and mechanical energy.
- Built-in support
- Prepared scenes, guided prompts, and feedback on lesson questions.
- AP Physics 1 connections
- Unit 7: defining simple harmonic motion and energy in oscillations.
- Check for understanding
- Ask why zero acceleration at equilibrium does not mean zero velocity.
Ready to test your thinking?
The first scene is set up. Start the lesson and explore.