Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Simple harmonic motion refers to the repetitive back-and-forth motion of an object about an equilibrium position, where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement from that position.
Related terms
Periodic motion: Periodic motion refers to any type of motion that repeats itself after a certain interval of time.
Equilibrium position: The equilibrium position is the stable point where the net force acting on an object is zero, resulting in no acceleration or change in velocity. It serves as a reference point for measuring displacements in simple harmonic motion.
Amplitude: Amplitude represents the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position during one complete cycle of simple harmonic motion.