Potential energy curve, turning points

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on analyzing the potential energy curve of a 0.220 kg particle influenced by a conservative force. Key values include potential energies at points A (9 J), C (20 J), and D (24 J), with the particle starting at a potential hill height of 12 J and an initial kinetic energy of 7.00 J. The speed of the particle at positions x = 3.5 m and x = 6.5 m can be determined using the equation K = E - U, where K is kinetic energy and U is potential energy. The turning points occur where kinetic energy equals zero, which corresponds to the potential energy equaling the total mechanical energy of the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of potential and kinetic energy concepts
  • Familiarity with conservative forces in physics
  • Knowledge of energy conservation principles
  • Ability to interpret potential energy graphs
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the speed of the particle at various positions using K = E - U
  • Identify the turning points by solving for when K = 0
  • Explore the implications of conservative forces on energy conservation
  • Review potential energy curves and their significance in mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying classical mechanics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of particles under conservative forces.

J-dizzal
Messages
394
Reaction score
6

Homework Statement


The figure shows a plot of potential energy U versus position x of a 0.220 kg particle that can travel only along an x axis under the influence of a conservative force. The graph has these values: UA = 9 J, UC = 20 J and UD = 24 J. The particle is released at the point where U forms a “potential hill” of “height” UB = 12 J, with kinetic energy 7.00 J. What is the speed of the particle at (a)x = 3.5 m and (b)x = 6.5 m? What is the position of the turning point on (c) the right side and (d) the left side?

http://edugen.wileyplus.com/edugen/courses/crs7165/art/qb/qu/c08/q40.jpg

Homework Equations


K=E-U

The Attempt at a Solution


I know the turning point is when K=0 but not sure how to find that from this graph.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
J-dizzal said:
I know the turning point is when K=0 but not sure how to find that from this graph.
Kinetic energy is zero when the potential energy is equal to the total energy.
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
View full post »

Similar threads

Potential Energy and raising a satellite from Earth into a Circular Orbit
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
MIT OCW, 8.02 Electromagnetism: Potential for an Electric Dipole
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Kinetic energy and work problem
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
PE, Work, object on inclined plane resting on a spring.
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Change in potential energy of the particle
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Why Potential Energy cannot be included twice?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Kinetic Energy Plot: Find Speed & Turning Point
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
9K
Capacitance (Potential Difference and Energy)
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
11K
Time dependant Potential Energy in ion trap
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Potential Energy and Equilibrium Position for a Circular Trajectory
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K