Potential energy Definition and 1000 Threads
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Meaning of potential energy in external fields
Generally potential energies are associated with a system of two bodies. If more than two bodies are involved the total can be determined by summing the contributions pairwise. It would appear as though in any system, the potential energies are all internal to the system. However in classical...- etotheipi
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- Energy Fields Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 19
- Forum: Mechanics
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Clarification of (misleading?) potential energy diagram
I've seen this figure kicking around, and just wanted to check that I'm not going mad. ##r_{0}## is supposed to be the Bohr radius of the first electron. I don't think this is quite right, since at ##r_{0}## the potential energy is about ##-27eV## or something, so I think they've actually...- etotheipi
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- Diagram Energy Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Mechanics
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Potential energy of a dipole in an external field
I'm considering the arrangement shown below. Let the positive charge be ##q##, and the negative be ##-q##. To derive the potential energy of this configuration, one usually adds the potential energies of both of the charges in the external field, taking the zero volts equipotential of the...- etotheipi
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- Dipole Energy Field Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 4
- Forum: Mechanics
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Potential Energy vs x phase diagram
U(x) = - ∫Fdx = - (1/2)kx^2. T = (1/2)m(x')^2. E = (1/2)[m(x')^2 - kx^2]. We could write out the Lagrangian here, but the chapter this comes from (Taylor's Classical Mechanics 13.6) indicates we should probably write the Hamiltonian, H = T + U. As far as I can tell, this doesn't tell me a...- Blakely42
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- Diagram Energy Phase Phase diagram Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 6
- Forum: Advanced Physics Homework Help
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QHO: Time dependant expectation value of the potential energy
Summary:: Linear Quantum harmonic oscillator and expectation value of the potential energy (time dependent) Hello, I have attached a picture of the full question, but I am stuck on part b). I have found the expectation value of the <momentum> and the <total energy> However I am struggling with...- phb1762
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- Energy Expectation Expectation value Potential Potential energy Quantum mechanics Quantum operator Time Value
- Replies: 3
- Forum: Advanced Physics Homework Help
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I Change in chemical potential energy from nuclear decay
I have been amateur reading about beta decay. The example given for electron capture was krypton-81 into bromine-81. Going from a noble gas to a halogen gives rise to a big change in chemical potential energy. How is this energy accounted for in the equations of the reactant particles and...- cahill
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- Change Chemical Chemical potential Decay Energy Nuclear Nuclear decay Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Atomic and Condensed Matter
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Energy conservation for objects hanging from a pulley
I have some conceptual questions about this task. In order to get the correct result (I checked the textbook answer) in part (a) I had to assume that the speed for each block is the same at all instants. And that if one block moves down x meters, the other one will move up that same amount of...- agusb1
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- Conservation Energy Energy conservation Potential energy Pulley Pulley system
- Replies: 6
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Potential Energy: Rigorous Understanding & E=mc²
I used to believe that potential energy of a particular particle is of no meaning. It is always linked with a system, and Potential Energy of a system means negative of work done by INTERNAL conservative forces from an initial stage of assumed zero potential energy. And energy cannot be said to...- Mohammed Ayaz Quadri
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- Energy Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 8
- Forum: Mechanics
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I Why does Special Theory of Relativity leave out Potential Energy?
While studying Special Theory of Relativity I came across the formula for the energy of a particle. The total energy of a relativistic particle in STR contains the Rest Mass energy and the Kinetic energy. But, in Classical and Quantum Mechanics, we consider the total energy of the particle to be...- Saptarshi Sarkar
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- Energy Potential Potential energy Relativity Theory Theory of relativity
- Replies: 5
- Forum: Special and General Relativity
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Why Do Physical Systems Seek Minimum Potential Energy?
Many, many years ago while in engineering graduate school I was studying calculus of variations. One classic problem was to determine the shape of a hanging cable supported at its two ends. After minimizing the integral, the catenary curve was the solution. The basic assumption in setting up...- LawrenceC
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- Energy Minimum Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 6
- Forum: General Engineering
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How Does Gravity Influence Spring Potential Energy in Physics?
0- NickStar
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- Energy Potential Potential energy Spring
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Not sure why my method doesn't work: Springs, Potential Energy and Work
I know that you can get the answer through using Fs as 18 and solving for K, then subbing it into the equation for elastic energy. I was just wondering why another method wouldn't work. I tried doing it using the concept that Work is an equal to the Change in Elastic Energy, therefore Ee=xF...- ericcy
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- Energy Method Potential Potential energy Springs Work
- Replies: 5
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Finding the potential energy if force depends on both position and time
How to find potential energy if force depends on both position of particle and time ? Suppose force is : f(r,t) = (k/r^2) * exp(-alpha*t), k, alpha = positive constants, r = position of the particle from force-centre t = time Is this force a conservative or non-conservative ? -
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Why Potential Energy cannot be included twice?
If for example I have two charged particles q_1 , q_2 with distance 'r' between them, then: The potential energy that results from particle q_1 exerting force on particle q_2 is $$ k\frac{q_1 q_2}{r} $$ If I do the same process for particle q_2: The potential energy that results...- CGandC
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- Charge Combination Energy Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 4
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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What does this mean ##U=\int F\times d\vec{r}## in the Work-Energy Theorem?
Hello, I'm newly discovering the world of the Energy. My question is about the equation ##U=\int \vec{F}\times d\vec{r}=-\int \vec{F}_{s}\times d\vec{r}##. Can you tell me what does this equation means? Thanks! -
A question about potential energy and work
Hello, I'm confusing about the basic terms about Conservation of Energy, Potential Energy and Work. Consider that we have a mass ##M## above the ground (zero point) distance of ##y_{0}=h##. When we release the mass it will accelerate through it's way to ground. So the work is made by a field... -
Issues Determining Change in Elastic Potential Energy
I've attached a screengrab of the problem (Specifically, Part B, as indicated in the image) and my attempt at a solution. Summarized, my thinking was based on using ##-\Delta U=\frac{Kx_i^2-Kx_f^2}{2}##. After using up all my attempts, the solution, as it turns out, was U2=4.91J. No variation...- Sofa
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- Change Elastic Elastic potential energy Energy Issues Mastering physics Potential Potential energy Spring force
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Ergun equation for beds + rising fluid + potential energy
I am quite familiar with the Ergun equation's formulation. My question is, do I need to subtract the potential term ΔP/Δz = -ρg/gc after the Ergun equation's own ΔP/Δz , assuming that the fluid is to be pumped upward, from the bottom of the bed to the top of the bed? I was thinking it should be...- maistral
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- Energy Fluid Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 1
- Forum: Materials and Chemical Engineering
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Catapult spring, Kinetic and Potential energy
My solutions: When ball is launched horizontally, assuming its velocity is entirely in the horizontal dimension, there is no interaction of the ball with the gravitational field, thus no change in GPE, so all of the EPE (elastic potential energy ) of the spring is transferred to KE of the ball...- User1265
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- Catapult Energy Kinetic Potential Potential energy Spring
- Replies: 10
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Potential energy of an electric dipole
This is a problem from a textbook, and I can't solve it. I know that the equation of Potential energy of electric dipole. Since the configuration is a little bit complicated. I'm confused applying which electric fields.- Samanko
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- Dipole Electric Electric dipole Energy Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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What Determines Gravitational Potential Energy?
-- Harry17
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- Energy Gravitational Gravitational potential Gravitational potential energy Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 4
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Interactions and Potential Energy
Usps=1/2(1.8x10^6)(0.03)^2=810J Ke=1/2mv^2=1/2(0.05)(300)^2=2250J I don't know how to take it farther than this, or if this is the correct way to start the problem. If this is correct, would it be correct to assume that the bullet does penetrate the creature because Ke overcomes Usps?- CJoy
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- Energy Interactions Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Calculate this Spring's Potential Energy
I know that gravitational potential energy is decreased by E = -m g h = -1 10 0.02 = -0.2. So, the spring potential energy must be E=0.2 (Joule). However, in the answer's sheet I have E=0.1 What mistake do I make?- EEristavi
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- Energy Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 28
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Determine the potential energy function of the charged particle
I understand that you need to integrate f(x), and the negative of that is U(x). But the last part of the problem says "Clearly state any assumptions you make." And the answer is just the antiderivative of that f(x) without any constant from integrationHow does that make sense- SLTH02
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- Charged Charged particle Energy Function Particle Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 4
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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B Does Force Become Infinite on a Donut-Shaped Planet?
So, let's say you have a donut - shaped planet, so a second object can move right on top of the center of mass of the first object. Does force go to infinity? How about potential energy? Or, just take one object, divide it into elements, what happens to the central element of mass within the...- JLT
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- Energy Force Planet Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 6
- Forum: Classical Physics
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What Does Negative Potential Energy Indicate in Colliding Iron Balls in Space?
Hi Everyone. I am hoping to get a little help with this: Two equal balls of iron each with a mass of 1000 kg are placed in rest in space 10 meters from each other. Because of gravity they start to accelerate towards each other, and collide in the end. I would like to know how to calculate the...- SpaceThoughts
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- Energy Negative Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 7
- Forum: Mechanics
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Negative potential energy vs Positive potential energy
What is the physical difference between negative potential energy and positive potential energy? PS- When I was reading about surface tension I came through the following line - ' The molecules at bulk inside the fluid has lesser negative potential energy than those on the surface.' In this... -
How to relate the gravitational potential energy zero to the axes?
(Throughout all my post, I will refer to “gravitational potential energy” just as “potential energy”) Hi! I have this confusion about when is potential energy positive/negative and how it is related to how we define our axes. I think it is easier to understand my confusion with the following...- peguerosdc
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- Axes Energy Gravitational Gravitational potential Gravitational potential energy Potential Potential energy Zero
- Replies: 4
- Forum: Mechanics
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A few questions about Potential Energy
Is it possible to briefly explain the potential energy concept? Why is potential energy only associated with conservative forces? Does potential energy really exist? Or Is it just kinetic energy from different reference frame? -
Elastic potential energy and natural length of a spring- relation?
I figured out that the spring constant is inversely proportional to the natural length, but there’s still an unknown change in a quantity( most likely extension).- Stormzy67
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- Elastic Elastic potential energy Energy Length Natural Potential Potential energy Relation Spring
- Replies: 3
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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How does gravitational potential energy work?
Gravitational energy is the potential energy a physical object with mass has in relation to another massive object due to gravity, so, does an object outside a gravitational field have no gravitational potential energy? For example, the Earth is 4.5 billion years old, so it's gravity stretches...- TheQuestionGuy14
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- Energy Gravitational Gravitational potential Gravitational potential energy Potential Potential energy Work
- Replies: 27
- Forum: Mechanics
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Man jumping onto a see-saw to launch bricks vertically
I drew a diagram for the a) part The person is h meters high So GPE= 100 x 9.8x h GPE= 980h j KE = 980h when the person hits the see saw KE=1/2mv² 980h=0.5 x 5 x v² Now it v²=u²+2as For the brick going up to 10m v = 0 u=? a=-9.8ms-² s=10m u²=2 x 9.8 x 10 u=14m/s We can assume that u=14m/s is...- lioric
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- Kinetic energy Launch Moments Potential energy Seesaw
- Replies: 41
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Regarding the idea of potential energy
I am studying basic mechanics and have reached the chapter on potential energy. However I am a bit confused about the difference between potential energy and the formula for the potential energy due to work done by a conservative force. I am not sure which of the following interpretations is... -
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An electron is placed at Point P, Calculate the Potential Energy
Not quite sure how to approach this question - do I need to calculate -qEd for all three charges and then the electron and add them together? Thanks- aaika
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- Electron Energy Point Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 8
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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I Gravitational Potential Energy in GR
Hi, folks. Several years ago I made a YouTube video with a new demonstration of GR for a general audience ("How Gravity Makes Things Fall"). It won a pretty prestigious physics award. I still get comments and questions on it. One today stumped me: "How do we account for potential energy if...- Karl Coryat
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- Energy Gr Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 13
- Forum: Special and General Relativity
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Understanding the derivation for Elastic Potential Energy.
Elastic Potential Energy of a Strained Body (A) Using ## Y = \frac {stress}{strain}## we get ##F = \frac {AY}{L} * x## where ##F## is the restoring force, ##x## is the distance the body is stretched by. Since Work = PE (spring force/ stress is conservative?) Thus ##W = \int_{0}^{x} \frac... -
The Potential Energy Function in Three-Dimensional Motion
I set the location of the particle (x,y,z); therefore, → the force F_1 is (z^2/root(x^2+y^2) * x/root(x^2+y^2) , z^2/root(x^2+y^2) * y/root(x^2+y^2), 0), since cosΘ is x/root(x^2+y^2). →...- Terrycho
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- Energy Function Motion Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 1
- Forum: Advanced Physics Homework Help
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How do I calculate elastic potential energy?
Is this the correct formula to use, if not what is. I really just don't know where to start. I really just need to know where and how to start.- alicia12131415
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- Elastic Elastic potential energy Energy Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 4
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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The energy conservation issue with parallel charged plates with a hole.
A while back I thought of an issue with parallel charged plates. Imagine this: a set of opposite charged resistive plates with holes in the center. In theory, there is a finite amount of energy required to push a positive charged particle through the hole in the positive plate (in theory it...- Harperchisari
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- Charged Conservation Conservation laws Conservation of energy Energy Energy conservation Hole Parallel Parallel plate capacitor Plates Potential energy
- Replies: 12
- Forum: Electromagnetism
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I Definition of the potential energy operator
In quantum mechanics, I can write the hamiltonian as ##\hat{H} = \hat{p}^{2}/2m + \hat{V}##. I am confusing with the definition of the operator ##\hat{V}##, who represents the potential energy. If the potential energy depend only on the position, is it correct write ##\hat{V} = V(\hat{x})##...- Lebnm
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- Definition Energy Operator Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 4
- Forum: Quantum Physics
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AQA physics paper On potential energy in mass spring system
The spring constant of a helical spring is 28 N mñ1. A 0.40 kg mass is suspended from the spring and set into simple harmonic motion of amplitude 60 mm. i use the equation 1/2 change in extension times by force where the force i assume is mass times by 9.8 but the mark scheme uses 1/2 kx ^2 and...- bonbon22
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- Aqa Energy Mass Mass spring system Paper Physics Potential Potential energy Spring System
- Replies: 5
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Is the 'test charge' in electric potential energy defined as immobile?
Hello, quick question, when EPE was defined, did we decide that the "test charge" is immobile in the field? Otherwise a force equal and opposite to that of the electric field would just stop the charge from accelerating.- archaic
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- Electric Electric potential Electric potential energy Energy Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 1
- Forum: Electromagnetism
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Potential energy of a shell and a disc, both covered uniformly with charge
Double integration maybe?? I calculated potential due to shell on plate's center but not on other points on it's surface.- Gursimran Singh
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- Charge Disc Double integral Electrostatics Energy Integration Mathematical physics Potential Potential energy Shell
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Advanced Physics Homework Help
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Potential Energy and Equilibrium Position for a Circular Trajectory
a) Solution given: F = - x î - y j b) The equilibrium position happens when F = 0. x = 0 and y = 0 is the point of equilibrium. Solution given: (0, 0) c) Since the particle has a circular trajectory the trajectory equation becomes x^2 + y^2 = R^2. The maximum potential energy the...- Lone Wolf
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- Energy Force Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Force on a pin from a pendulum and a string
1. Determine the velocity of the ball when it is 30degrees from the horizontal: U1 = mgh = mg(0.8m) U2 = mgh = mg(0.4+0.4cos(30)) = mg(.74641) ΔU = U2 - U1 = mg(.74641 - .8) = mg(-0.051433) T1 =0 T2 = 0.5mv^2 ΔT = T2 - T1 = 0.5mv^2 ΔU = ΔT mg(-0.051433) = 0.5mv^2 ====> v = 1.025394 2. Use...- magnesium12
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- Centripetal acceleration Force Kinetic energy Pendulum Pin Potential energy String Tension
- Replies: 4
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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How far does the block slide? (work, spring, incline)
Homework Statement The system is released from rest with no slack in the cable and with the spring stretched 225 mm. Determine the distance s traveled by the 3.2-kg cart before it comes to rest (a) if m approaches zero and (b) if m = 2.5 kg. Assume no mechanical interference and no friction...- magnesium12
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- Block Incline Kinetic energy Potential energy Spring Work
- Replies: 4
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Expression for effective potential energy
<< Mentor Note -- Poster has been reminded to use the Template when starting new schoolwork threads >>[/color] Two particles of identical mass m interact with each other via central potential energy Vcentral(r) = -V0(1-|r|/a), if 0 <= |r| <= a 0, if a < |r| Constants...- Thorscira
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- Collisions Effective potential Energy Expression Potential Potential energy
- Replies: 7
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Voltage, electric field and potential energy for concentric shells
1. Homework Statement the a shell is charged Va=120v shell b is grounded, Vb=0V What is the voltage in the center of shells (vo)? The electric field in the center of shells? The potential energy in the center of shells? Homework Equations Vr=Va+(1/r-1/a)/(1/a-1/b)Vab (from integrals) though I...- tinesi
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- Electric Electric field Energy Field Potential Potential energy Voltage
- Replies: 3
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help
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Potential Energy and Potential -- Systems versus Particles
When I first learned about these subjects, I did what was intuitive to me and treated particles as if they carried potential energy. I would do this similarly for rigid bodies where I would also treat them as a particles with their body's mass at the center of mass. This wasn't helped by... -
Potential Energy of a Finite Proton
Homework Statement This was in a problem set I found. Suppose that the proton in a hydrogen atom is not a pointlike object, but instead described by a uniform spherical charge distribution with charge e and radius R = 8.7 x 10^-16 m. Using Gauss's law and the definition for the electric...- Interdimensional
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- Energy Finite Potential Potential energy Proton
- Replies: 1
- Forum: Introductory Physics Homework Help