- #1
Crosson
- 1,259
- 4
I am wondering if anyone knows the history of the mathematical study of simple harmonic motion. Who first set up the equation:
[tex]\frac{d^2X(t)}{dt^2} +\frac{k}{m} X(t) = 0 [/tex]
Was it Newton? Hooke? Did they know about uniqueness of solutions?
The trig functions occupy such a cetral role these days in the study of calculus, this differential equation has a magic trick feeling to it. If the discoverer's of this equation viewed it in a similar context as ourselves, it must have been one of the most instantly satisfying confirmations of Newton's Mechanics.
[tex]\frac{d^2X(t)}{dt^2} +\frac{k}{m} X(t) = 0 [/tex]
Was it Newton? Hooke? Did they know about uniqueness of solutions?
The trig functions occupy such a cetral role these days in the study of calculus, this differential equation has a magic trick feeling to it. If the discoverer's of this equation viewed it in a similar context as ourselves, it must have been one of the most instantly satisfying confirmations of Newton's Mechanics.