โš™๏ธap physics c: mechanics review

Simple Harmonic Motion

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 of an object around a stable equilibrium position, where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from that position.