Oscillatory motion is defined as the to and fro motion of the body about its fixed position. Oscillatory motion is a type of periodic motion. Examples of oscillatory motion are vibrating strings, swinging of the swing etc.

For example, let’s say there is mass m mounted between 2 spring with spring constant k1, k2 which are attached to wall and have its original length when system is at equilibrium. When the mass is disturbed slightly by displacement x, the restoring force will be F=−(k2+k1)x which proves the motion will be SHM.

All oscillatory motions are periodic motions but all periodic motions are not oscillatory. Simple harmonic motion is a straight line motion and it requires a restoring force.

And, the simple harmonic motion is always oscillatory. Periodic motion examples are the motion of the hands of a clock, the motion of the wheels of a car, etc. Simple harmonic motion examples: the motion of a pendulum, motion of a spring, etc. Learn the difference between Periodic and Oscillatory Motion here.

Oscillations

• Simple Harmonic Motion.
• Damped Simple Harmonic Motion.
• Forced Simple Harmonic Motion.
• Force Law for Simple Harmonic Motion.
• Velocity and Acceleration in Simple Harmonic Motion.
• Some Systems executing Simple Harmonic Motion.
• Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion.
• Periodic and Oscillatory Motion.

Oscillation is defined as the process of repeating variations of any quantity or measure about its equilibrium value in time. Oscillation can also be defined as a periodic variation of a matter between two values or about its central value.

• One type of oscillation is a periodic oscillation.
• A periodic oscillation is one that repeats itself.
• Period is the time it takes to complete one oscillation.
• Frequency is the number of oscillations per time.

The restoring force causes an oscillating object to move back toward its stable equilibrium position, where the net force on it is zero. The simplest oscillations occur when the restoring force is directly proportional to displacement.

Vibration, periodic back-and-forth motion of the particles of an elastic body or medium, commonly resulting when almost any physical system is displaced from its equilibrium condition and allowed to respond to the forces that tend to restore equilibrium.