๐ŸŽกap physics 1 review

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

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

Simple Harmonic Motion refers to the repetitive back-and-forth motion exhibited by certain systems when they are displaced from their equilibrium position and experience a restoring force proportional to their displacement. Examples include a mass-spring system or a pendulum swinging back and forth.

"Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)" also found in: