A mechanical oscillator is a system that experiences periodic motion, moving back and forth around an equilibrium position. Common examples include a swinging pendulum or a mass attached to a spring. These systems can be described by their frequency, amplitude, and energy, and they often follow principles of harmonic motion. Mechanical oscillators are essential in various applications, from clocks to musical instruments. They can be damped, meaning their motion gradually decreases due to friction or resistance, or driven, where an external force maintains their oscillation. Understanding these systems is crucial in fields like engineering and physics.