Question

Why is the restoring force negative?

Answer 1

Restoring Force:

1. When an object is in oscillation a force is applied on it to bring it back to its equilibrium position. This force is known as restoring force.
2. The direction of the oscillation is considered positive and therefore the displacement in that direction is positive.
3. The restoring force acts opposite to this direction and is therefore negative.

Hence, the restoring force is negative.