How Do You Calculate the Velocity of a 3.00kg Block at x=2.00m?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of a 3.00 kg block at x=2.00 m, given its initial velocity of 5.00 m/s and a potential energy function U=(-x^2)-4x+5. The correct velocity at x=2.00 m is established as 5.74 m/s, derived from the conservation of mechanical energy principle. Participants attempted various methods, including kinetic and potential energy equations, yielding incorrect results due to misinterpretation of energy changes. The key takeaway is that only the change in potential energy affects the kinetic energy, leading to the correct calculation of 12 J of kinetic energy change.

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Find velocity...

A 3.00Kg block at x=0 is moving to the right at 5.00m/s.
A horizontal force acts on the block. Its potential energy funtion is U=(-x^2)-4x+5
find the speed of the block at x=2.00m (surface is smooth)

ok the answer is already given by prof. answer is 5.74m/s but I want to know how to solve this. I used kinetic and potential energy equation for this problem but I got 4.52m/s also I used changing kinetic and potential energy but I got 8.50m/s...I tried other things too but I got wrong... I'm stuck with this...
 
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The answer is either 4.51 m/s or 5.45 m/s, depending on whether the force is opposite or with the direction of motion. If the answer is actually 5.74 m/s, then the question is wrong.

Clearly the function gives a potential energy of 7 J, so the block either gains or loses 7 J of KE (depending on the intended meaning of the negative quantity).

Edit: I noted rock.freak's answer, below, and then slapped my head. Only the change in PE of the system matters. Since the +5 exists at zero, and at x=2, then then change in KE is 12 J.

Awkwardly worded question.
 
Last edited:
U=-x^2-4x+5

at x=0..what is U? Then use the law of conservation of mechanical energy.
 

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