NCEA Level 3 Physics – Mechanics Practice Exam

A harmonic oscillator is defined as a system that experiences restoring forces. In physics, this concept refers to a system where the force acting on the object is directly proportional to the displacement from its equilibrium position and is always directed back towards that position. This characteristic makes the motion periodic, often resulting in oscillations that can be described as simple harmonic motion.

For example, in a mass-spring system, when the mass is displaced from its resting position, the spring exerts a force that pulls the mass back to equilibrium. The proportionality between the force and displacement is what characterizes harmonic motion.

The other options do not accurately describe a harmonic oscillator. A system with constant motion lacks the necessary characteristics of oscillation, while a type of energy conversion device does not inherently involve the principles of restoring forces. Finally, a system with no restoration forces would not return to an equilibrium position and would fail to oscillate, which is a fundamental aspect of harmonic oscillators.