In ideal simple harmonic motion, kinetic energy and potential energy continuously transform into each other while the total mechanical energy remains constant. Potential energy is greatest at the extreme positions, whereas kinetic energy is greatest at the equilibrium position.
The Energy Changes
This is part of C.1 Simple harmonic motion and applies qualitatively to both SL and HL. Consider an oscillator starting at its maximum positive displacement, , where is its amplitude.
| Position in cycle | Potential energy | Kinetic energy |
|---|---|---|
| , at |