An object moves along the x axis, subject to the potential | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Physics with MasteringPhysics

Chapter 8 Problem 55P

Question

An object moves along the \(x\)-axis, subject to the potential energy shown in Figure 8-24. The object has a mass of \(1.1 \mathrm{~kg}\) and starts at rest at point A. (a) What is the object's speed at point B? (b) At point C? (c) At point D? (d) What are the turning points for this object?

                                                                               

                                   

Solution

 

 

Step 1 of 4

a.)

We have to find the object’s speed at the point \(B\) in the given potential energy curve as a function of \(x\).

The speed of the object at point \(B\) can be found using the law of conservation of mechanical energy for a system involving conservative forces.

That is \(E=U+K=\text { constant }\)

The total energy \(E\) is equal to the sum of kinetic energy \(K\) and the potential energy \(U\).

\(K_{i}+U_{i}=K_{f}+U_{f}\)

Now,

At A, \(K_{i}=0, U_{i}=10.0_{\mathrm{J}}\)

At B, \(K_{f}=\frac{1}{2} m v_{f}^{2}, U_{f}=2.0_{\mathrm{J}}\)

Hence,

\(\begin{array}{l} (0+10)=\left(\frac{1}{2} m v_{f}^{2}+2\right) \\ v_{f}=\sqrt{\frac{2(10.0)-2}{m}} \end{array}\)

Substituting 1.1 kg for \(m\)

\(\begin{aligned} v_{f} & =\sqrt{\frac{2(10.0)-2}{1.1}} \\ & =3.8 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s} \end{aligned}\)

 

Therefore, the object’s speed at point \(B\) is \(3.8 m/s\).

 

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full solution

Title Physics with MasteringPhysics 4 
Author James S. Walker
ISBN 9780321541635

An object moves along the x axis, subject to the potential

Chapter 8 textbook questions

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