In SHM, the general equations for position, velocity, and acceleration are:

x(t) = A cos(wt + d)

v = dx/dt = -Aw sin(wt + d)

a = d²x/dt² = -Aw² cos(wt + d)

Whatever is multiplying the sine or cosine represents the maximum value of the quantity. Thus:

x_max = A

v_max = Aw

a_max = Aw²

Graphing the position, velocity, and acceleration allows us to see some of the general features of simple harmonic motion:

• The speed is maximum when the object passes through the equilibrium position (x = 0)
• The acceleration is opposite in direction, and proportional to, the displacement
• All three graphs have the same frequency - they just differ by phases of 90 degrees.