Oscillating refers to the repetitive back-and-forth movement of an object or system around a central point. This motion can be seen in various contexts, such as a swinging pendulum, a vibrating guitar string, or the alternating current in electrical circuits. The term describes any periodic motion that returns to its starting position.
In physics, oscillation is characterized by its frequency, which is the number of complete cycles per second, and its amplitude, which is the maximum distance from the central point. Common examples of oscillating systems include springs, sound waves, and simple harmonic motion, all of which play important roles in understanding energy transfer and wave behavior.