The word “oscillate” can be used in many different contexts, but most often it refers to a back-and-forth motion. This type of oscillation can be seen in everything from the swaying of a tree in the wind to the pendulum swing of a grandfather clock. It’s also a key component of many wave forms, such as those produced by earthquakes or sound waves.
In physics, oscillation is defined as “a periodic motion that repeats itself about an equilibrium position.” The simplest example of this is a mass attached to a spring; when released, it will bounce up and down forever (or at least until friction brings it to a stop). Many real-world systems are much more complicated than this simple model, but they all share the same basic principle: some force causes an object to move away from its equilibrium position, and then gravity or another force pulls it back again. This process continues indefinitely unless something disrupts the system.
Oscillations occur naturally in all sorts of systems, both manmade and natural. In fact, pretty much anything that moves can be said to oscillate in some way or another! However, there are certain situations where maintaining regular oscillations is important – for example…
See Resonance