Physics A-Level
Conservation of total energy
What Conservation of total energy means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Conservation of total energy
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Conservation of total energy in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Adding the two curves at every displacement gives a horizontal straight line at the constant total energy ½mω²A².
Topics that use Conservation of total energy
- Energy of a simple harmonic oscillator (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Conservation of energy in simple harmonic motion
- Energy–displacement relationships
- Parabolic energy curves
- Amplitude and total energy
- Amplitude dependence of energy
- Kinetic and potential energy interchange
Using Conservation of total energy in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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