---
title: "Restoring Force — AP Physics C Mechanics Definition"
description: "A restoring force pushes an object back toward equilibrium after displacement. It's the engine behind simple harmonic motion, springs, and pendulums on AP Physics C."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-physics-c-mechanics/key-terms/restoring-force"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Physics C: Mechanics"
---

# Restoring Force — AP Physics C Mechanics Definition

## Definition

The restoring force is a force that acts on an object to bring it back towards its equilibrium position after being displaced.

## Related Study Guides

- [3.2 Forces and Potential Energy ](/ap-physics-c-mechanics/unit-3/forces-potential-energy/study-guide/PgiYXV934ZlC3nDA)
- [6.1 Simple Harmonic Motion, Springs, and Pendulums ](/ap-physics-c-mechanics/unit-6/simple-harmonic-motion-springs-pendulums/study-guide/V3L3GpIEmeGgpS239Xdd)
- [Unit 6 Overview: Oscillations](/ap-physics-c-mechanics/unit-Ro4fvf7uNKWRj5Zi/review/study-guide/u9jCpEdPbPJalemc8fvS)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Equilibrium Position: Equilibrium position refers to the point where there are no net forces acting on an object, resulting in zero acceleration.
- [Hooke's Law](/ap-physics-c-mechanics/key-terms/hookes-law): Hooke's Law states that within elastic limits, the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to its displacement from equilibrium.
- [Simple Harmonic Motion](/ap-physics-c-mechanics/key-terms/simple-harmonic-motion): Simple harmonic motion is a type of periodic motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium.