SL + HL
C.1 Simple harmonic motion
A mass on a spring, a pendulum, a particle in a wave: all of them oscillate in simple harmonic motion. C.1 covers the conditions for SHM, where a = −ω²x comes from, the mass–spring system and the simple pendulum, the acceleration–displacement graph and energy. HL adds the equations of SHM, the phase angle and the energy equations.
The big idea in one minute
a = −ω²x · T = 2π/ω · T = 2π√(m/k) · T = 2π√(l/g)
SHM happens when the acceleration is proportional to the displacement and directed towards the equilibrium position. For a spring, Hooke’s law and F = ma give ma = −kx, so a = −(k/m)x and ω² = k/m. Every other system gives its own bracket, so we write the general rule a = −ω²x. Its graph of a against x is a straight line through the origin with gradient −ω².
Your path through C.1
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Concept builders
Concept builder: predict, test, explain
Three guided lessons with simulations: predict, test, explain. Done in class.
Core work
Simple harmonic motion notes
The full topic: worked examples, the markscheme words and the common mistakes.
Levelled practice
Levels 1–4 with hints and worked answers. Goal: a ★ at Level 2 in every topic. For a 6 or 7, get Levels 3 and 4 too.
IB-format practice
Timed papers with markschemes, done as homework or classwork. One attempt: your report goes to your teacher.
10-question quiz
10 questions, 30 minutes, one attempt. Your teacher gives you the answers later.
Extra help
Not a step: use these when you are stuck, or to revise.
Visual guide
10 figures you can move. Use them when an idea does not make sense.
Flashcards
59 cards for quick recall of definitions and equations. Good before a quiz.