Restoring Force in SHM (F = -kx = -mω²x)
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F = -kx = -mω²x
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| F | Restoring force (N) |
| k | Force constant or spring constant (N/m) |
| m | Mass of oscillating particle (kg) |
| x | Displacement from equilibrium (m) |
| ω | Angular frequency (rad/s), where ω = √(k/m) |
When to use this
Force law that produces SHM: force is linear in displacement and always directed towards equilibrium (negative sign). k = mω² connects spring constant to angular frequency. Any system with F ∝ -x near equilibrium executes SHM for small displacements. NCERT Eq. 13.13-13.14.