Acceleration in Simple Harmonic Motion

The Acceleration in Simple Harmonic Motion calculator computes the acceleration in a spring based on the mass, length of compression and the spring constant.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (k) Spring Constant
• (m) Mass
• (x) Compression or Extension distance

Harmonic Motion Acceleration (a): The calculator returns the acceleration in meters per second squared. However, this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

The formula for the acceleration in a simple harmonic system (e.g. spring) is:

  `a = (- k * x)/ m` 

where:

• a = simple harmonic acceleration
• k = spring constant
• m = mass

Reference

University Physics 12th Edition, Chapter 13, Equation #13.4