---
title: "Equilibrium Position — AP Physics 1 Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Equilibrium position is the point where net force on an oscillator is zero. In SHM it's where speed and kinetic energy peak, central to AP Physics 1 Units 4 and 6."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-physics-1-revised/key-terms/equilibrium-position"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Physics 1"
---

# Equilibrium Position — AP Physics 1 Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The equilibrium position is the stable, balanced point where an object or system experiences no net force and remains at rest or in uniform motion.

## Related Study Guides

- [6.1 Period of Simple Harmonic Oscillators](/ap-physics-1-revised/unit-6/period-simple-harmonic-oscillators/study-guide/JdEVBczMfJ7h8rIl6TuZ)
- [6.2 Energy of a Simple Harmonic Oscillator](/ap-physics-1-revised/unit-6/energy-simple-harmonic-oscillator/study-guide/lNflbqbIly6vFgeyLwmO)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Displacement](/ap-physics-1-revised/key-terms/displacement): The distance and direction from the equilibrium position.
- Restoring force: A force that acts on an object or system to bring it back towards its equilibrium position when displaced.
- Stable equilibrium: An equilibrium position where any small disturbance causes a restoring force that brings the object back towards its original position.