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... displaced from the equilibrium point. When the mass is raised it gains Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE). When it is released gravity acts on it and it moves back toward the equilibrium point. As it loses GPE it gains Kinetic Energy (KE), and when it reaches the point of equilibrium it does not stop but continues past. At this point it has maximum kinetic energy and therefore maximum velocity. It then begins to lose kinetic energy as it is decelerated by the force of gravity. The kinetic energy is therefore converted back to GPE. It reaches its highest point when all of the kinetic energy is lost and velocity is zero. It then begins to lose GPE again and the cycle continues. A pendulum will never stop oscillating until an outside force such as air resistance or friction acts on it. On earth pendulums slow down and eventually come to rest after ...