New Reply

Kinetic energy of a system of two atoms from a graph of their potential energy curve

 
Share Thread Thread Tools
Oct4-11, 09:34 PM   #1
 

Kinetic energy of a system of two atoms from a graph of their potential energy curve


1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

The figure shows a potential energy curve for the interaction of two neutral atoms. The two-atom system is in a vibrational state indicated by the heavy solid horizontal line.

(a) At r = r1, what are the approximate values of the kinetic energy K, the potential energy U, and the quantity K+U?
K =
U = -1.3 eV
K+U =

2. Relevant equations
U=0.5*Ks^2

3. The attempt at a solution
I can't for the life of me figure out how to find K, I feel like it should be really easy, but I'm at a loss of where to start.

If anyone could give me jumping off point at least I'd be very grateful. Thanks
Attached Thumbnails
4-55.jpg  
 
PhysOrg.com
PhysOrg
science news on PhysOrg.com

>> Front-row seats to climate change
>> Attacking MRSA with metals from antibacterial clays
>> New formula invented for microscope viewing, substitutes for federally controlled drug
Oct4-11, 10:02 PM   #2
 
After taking a short break, I figured it out, and it was massively simple.
I'll post the answer here so that anyone else Googling in the future can find it.

K=1.1
U=-1.3
and K+U = -0.2

since they are inversely proportional, their sum must equal the vibration state.
 
New Reply
Thread Tools


Similar Threads for: Kinetic energy of a system of two atoms from a graph of their potential energy curve
Thread Forum Replies
Kinetic Energy, Conservation of Energy, Potential Energy, etc Introductory Physics Homework 6
Work-Energy Theorum: Spring potential energy vs Kinetic Energy Introductory Physics Homework 4
Energy conservative (Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy) Introductory Physics Homework 6
HELP! ~ Mechanical Energy vs Potential Energy & Kinetic Energy Introductory Physics Homework 4
[SOLVED] Mechanical Energy vs Potential Energy & Kinetic Energy Introductory Physics Homework 3