- #1
Benzoate
- 422
- 0
Homework Statement
A particle P of mass m , which is on the negative x-axis. is moving towards the origin with a constant speed u. When P reaches the origin , it experiences the force F=-Kx^2, where K is a positive constant. How far does P get along the positive x-axis?
Homework Equations
.5*m*v^2+V(x)=E(x)
The Attempt at a Solution
dx/dt=[2*(E-V(x))]^.5
dV/dx=-F=Kx^2 ==> V=Kx^3/3
T0+V0=T1+V1
1/2*m*v^2+Kx^3/3=.5*m*u^2+0 since as the speed of particle increases V is zero. The problem with that explanation is, the speed is constant so the speed doesn't increase or decrease.