Restoring Force
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Restoring Force
A restoring force acts toward an equilibrium position after a displacement. For an ideal spring, Fₓ = −kx.
- Related Glossary Terms
- Index
Reviewed physics notes (1)
These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.
- Restoring forces are not restricted to springs returning to their unloaded length. — Reference 1
Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Restoring force
A restoring force points toward an equilibrium position when an object is displaced from it. Simple harmonic motion requires the net restoring force to be proportional to displacement and opposite in direction. For example, a compressed ideal spring pushes its attached object back toward the spring’s relaxed length.