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Chapter 33: Second Order Differential Equations

Introduction

Such equations arise naturally in physics since Newton's equations of motion involve acceleration which is a second derivative.
We make some brief comments about such equations, show how they can be solved numerically with a spreadsheet, and discuss two specific examples: the forced harmonic oscillator (which also describes the behavior of an R L C circuit) and planetary motion.

Topics

33.1 General Comments

33.2 Solving Second Order Differential Equations

33.3 The Forced and Damped Oscillator

33.4 Planetary Motion