Kinetic Energy Plot: Find Speed & Turning Point

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving kinetic energy and potential energy for a particle moving along the x-axis. The particle's initial conditions include a mass of 0.900 kg, an initial speed of 6.80 m/s, and specific potential energy values at different positions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the concept of total energy and its implications for the particle's motion. Questions arise regarding the calculation of kinetic energy at specific positions and the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy.

Discussion Status

There is active engagement with multiple participants questioning the calculations and interpretations of energy values. Some participants are attempting to clarify the total energy at the initial position, while others are exploring how to determine the speed at a specific position based on energy differences.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of time in the problem statement, which raises questions about how to approach the energy calculations. There is also mention of differing interpretations of kinetic energy in relation to potential energy values.

soccerkid999
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Homework Statement



Figure shows a plot of potential energy U versus position x of a 0.900 kg particle that can travel only along an x axis. (Nonconservative forces are not involved.) Three values are UA = 15 J, UB = 35 J and UC = 45 J. The particle is released at x = 4.5 m with an initial speed of 6.80 m/s, headed in the negative x direction.


If the particle can reach x = 1.0 m, what is its speed there, and if it cannot, what is its turning point?


http://edugen.wiley.com/edugen/courses/crs1650/art/qb/qu/c08/q39.jpg


Homework Equations




Ek=1/2mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution



I have no clue what to do.
 
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What is the particle's total energy at t = 0?
 
IniquiTrance said:
What is the particle's total energy at t = 0?

they don't give time, help anyone?
 
Let me rephrase, what is the particle's total energy?
 
Find the KE at 4 m.
UB - UA = KE at 4m - KE at 2m
If it is positive, the particle will reach 1 m.
 
rl.bhat said:
Find the KE at 4 m.
UB - UA = KE at 4m - KE at 2m
If it is positive, the particle will reach 1 m.

Hi, I am also having trouble with this problem. It is not homework, I am doing it out of the book.

So I am trying to find the speed at x=1m

Why would KE at 1 m not be Uc - Ub? Isn't KE the space inbetween the U line and the total energy?

Just in case last person pic doesn't work any more here is my own link from book:

http://edugen.wiley.com/edugen/courses/crs4957/halliday9118/halliday9118c08/image_n/nt0055-y.gif

And after I find the KE I use
KE = 1/2 mv^2 to find the velocity

I didn't find the right velocity when I took Ub-Ua.
I also didn't find the right velocity when I took Uc - Ub.

The answer should be : 2.1 m/s

How do I get this?
 
would it have been better to start a new thread for my question? This last question is over a year old...

Any advice helps. Thank you! :)
 

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