๐ŸŽกap physics 1 review

Harmonic Oscillator

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

A harmonic oscillator refers to any system where a restoring force acts on an object, causing it to oscillate back and forth around a stable equilibrium position.