Topic explanation

Standard explanation

In ideal SHM, energy continuously changes between kinetic energy and potential energy, while total mechanical energy remains constant.

Key points

• E = ½kA²
• E = ½mω²A²
• K = E-U
• K = ½mω²(A²-x²)
• Total Energy: For a spring: Potential Energy `U = ½kx²` Since: `k=mω²` we can also write: U = ½mω²x²
• Kinetic Energy: **K = E-U** Therefore: **K = ½mω²(A²-x²)**
• Ideal SHM conserves mechanical energy.

Labelled diagram