Equilibrium position

Definition

The equilibrium position is the point at which the net force acting on an oscillating system is zero. At this position, the system experiences no acceleration and remains at rest if undisturbed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The equilibrium position is central to understanding simple harmonic motion (SHM).
2. In SHM, the restoring force always acts towards the equilibrium position.
3. When displaced from equilibrium, an object in SHM will experience a force proportional to the displacement.
4. The potential energy of an oscillating system is minimum at the equilibrium position.
5. The velocity of an oscillating object is maximum when passing through the equilibrium position.

Review Questions

• What happens to the net force acting on an object at its equilibrium position?
• How does the restoring force behave relative to the equilibrium position in simple harmonic motion?
• Why is potential energy minimized at the equilibrium position in an oscillating system?

Related terms

Restoring Force:

A force that acts to bring a system back to its equilibrium position.

Amplitude:

The maximum displacement of an object from its equilibrium position during oscillation.

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM): A type of periodic motion where the restoring force is directly proportional to displacement and acts in the direction opposite to displacement.