7.4 Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators

Conservation of Energy

In a simple harmonic oscillator, energy continually transforms between kinetic energy (K) and potential energy (U).

The total mechanical energy (Eₜₒₜ) remains constant if no non-conservative forces (like friction) act on the system.

Important Equation: ${E_{tot} = U + K}$

${E_{tot}}$ = total energy (constant)

${U}$ = potential energy at a point

${K}$ = kinetic energy at that point