H2 Physics 9478 · Topic 9
Oscillations: SHM, damping and resonance
Connect measured periodic motion to the defining SHM model, its phase and energy relationships, then distinguish damping from driven resonance.
Before you begin
Study each reviewed objective cluster, then use the recorded diagnostic and repair plan. H2 practice evidence remains separate from H1 and H3.
Be comfortable with: Circular Motion objective chainEnergy & Fields objective chain
How the ideas connect
- Free oscillations, investigation and quantities
- SHM definition, equations, graphs and phase
- Energy interchange and damping
- Forced oscillations, resonance and response
Learn in order
Lesson route
Objective clusters
- 01Free oscillations, investigation and quantities 9(a)–(c)Learn and apply 3 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 02SHM definition, equations, graphs and phase 9(d)–(g)Learn and apply 4 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 03Energy interchange and damping 9(h)–(i)Learn and apply 2 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 04Forced oscillations, resonance and response 9(j)–(l)Learn and apply 3 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
Prove your understanding
Practice and repair
Key ideas and reference
Use this concise Oscillations: SHM, damping and resonance checklist to locate the right objective cluster. Full definitions, derivations and worked examples stay in the linked lessons.
- Connect measured periodic motion to the defining SHM model, its phase and energy relationships, then distinguish damping from driven resonance.
- Free oscillations, investigation and quantities 9(a)–(c)
- SHM definition, equations, graphs and phase 9(d)–(g)
- Energy interchange and damping 9(h)–(i)
- Forced oscillations, resonance and response 9(j)–(l)
Course coverage and review details
The official topic states no explicit exclusions and defines natural frequency as the frequency of a system in free oscillation. Ideal SHM uses a linear restoring relation and no environmental energy exchange; damping and steady forced response are introduced only when stated.
Coverage is reviewed against 9478 topic 9(a)–(l), PDF page 18. Selected-response progress does not by itself prove constructed, diagrammatic or practical performance.
Reviewed 2026-08-01