Approximate Values of Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the approximate values of kinetic energy (K) and potential energy (U) for a two-atom system in a vibrational state, as depicted in the provided potential energy curve. The user initially calculated U as -1.2 and K + U as -0.4, leading to an incorrect assumption that K equals 0.8. The error was identified as a unit conversion mistake, where the values needed to be expressed in electronvolts (eV) instead of joules (J).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of potential energy curves in atomic interactions
  • Familiarity with the concepts of kinetic energy and total energy in vibrational states
  • Knowledge of unit conversions between joules and electronvolts
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics related to atomic systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about unit conversions, specifically between joules and electronvolts
  • Explore vibrational states of two-atom systems in greater detail
  • Review potential energy curves and their implications in atomic interactions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying quantum mechanics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding energy calculations in atomic systems.

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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