Approximate Values of Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the kinetic energy (K), potential energy (U), and their sum (K+U) for a two-atom system in a vibrational state. The potential energy at a specific distance (r=r1) is estimated to be U = -1.2, while the total energy (K + U) is indicated as -0.4. An initial calculation suggested that K = 0.8, but this was later identified as incorrect due to a unit conversion error, as the values needed to be expressed in electronvolts (eV) instead of joules (J). The participant ultimately recognized the mistake in unit conversion as the source of confusion. Accurate understanding of energy states and proper unit usage are essential in solving such problems.
Wakko
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Homework Statement


https://s2.lite.msu.edu/res/msu/perl_author/MI3/CH7/IMAGES/MI3_7P32.png
The figure shows a potential energy curve for the interaction of two neutral atoms. The two-atom system is in a vibrational state (i.e., a total energy state) indicated by the heavy solid horizontal line.
At r=r1, what are the approximate values of the kinetic energy K, the potential U, and the quantity K+U?

Homework Equations


Vibrational State = K + U

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm pretty sure that U = -1.2 (dotted line)
And the Vibrational State (bold line) or K + U = -0.4
Which I'd assume means that K = 0.8 but this is incorrect. I've looked at this inside out and cannot figure out what's wrong.
 

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Wakko said:
Which I'd assume means that K = 0.8 .
Looks right to me.
 
I see what my mistake was. I was putting my answer in J but they wanted it in eV.
 
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