Simple Harmonic Motion Explorer for A Level Physics
Explore simple harmonic motion with an interactive A Level physics simulator. Compare a mass-spring system and pendulum, then investigate damping, energy and resonance.
What this tool shows
How displacement, velocity and acceleration change during SHM
The relationship between period, mass, spring constant, length and g
Energy transfer between kinetic and potential energy
How damping reduces amplitude and changes the response
How driving frequency and natural frequency produce resonance
OCR A relevance
OCR A Module 5.3: Oscillations
The definition a = −ω²x
Mass-spring systems and pendulums
Free and forced oscillations, damping and resonance
Try these tasks
Check how the period changes when you alter mass or spring constant.
Compare the measured period with the simple harmonic formula.
Increase damping and observe what happens to amplitude and energy.
Switch on driving and find the frequency that gives the largest amplitude.
