We consider a second-order equation of Duffing type. Bounds for the
derivative of the restoring force are given which ensure the existence and
uniqueness of a periodic solution. Furthermore, the unique periodic solution is
asymptotically stable with sharp rate of exponential decay. In particular, for
a restoring term independent of the variable t, a necessary and sufficient
condition is obtained which guarantees the existence and uniqueness of a
periodic solution that is stable.Comment: Key words and phrases: Periodic solution, topological degree,
stabilit