harmonic oscillator potential

A harmonic oscillator potential describes a situation where a system experiences a force pulling it back toward a central point, like a pendulum or a mass on a spring. The restoring force is proportional to how far the object is displaced, following Hooke’s Law. This creates a smooth, repeating motion, known as oscillation. In physics, the harmonic oscillator potential is a mathematical model that represents this restoring force, often depicted as a quadratic curve (like a bowl-shaped surface). It helps scientists understand systems that vibrate or oscillate regularly, such as molecules, pendulums, or electronic circuits.