91Ó°ÊÓ

The energy owned by a body as a result of its position, shape, or change of configuration is called as potential energy.

It can be assumed that no non-conservative work is done on the spring-mass system since there is no friction.

Write the equation for work done on the spring.

$E_f=E_i+W_{NC}$

Here$E_f$ is the final energy,$E_i$ is the initial energy and$W_{NC}$ is the work done by non-conservative force.

It is known from basic harmonic motion theory that the spring-mass system returns to its starting position after one oscillation (if energy is conserved). As a result, it is deduced that not only mechanical energy, but also potential energy, is conserved that is,

$∆U=0\mathrm{J}$

Thus, the change in potential energy of the mass and spring system, in the absence of friction is 0 J.