4.4.4 Potential Energy Functions and Energy Diagrams

Question 1

Potential Energy Functions and Energy Diagrams

Answer 1

• A potential energy function provides a useful graphical representation of the relative kinetic and potential energies of an object at different locations.
• The movement of an object is limited to the range where . For this reason, objects can become trapped in what are called potential energy wells.
• Local minima of potential energy functions are called stable points, or points of stable equilibrium. Local maxima of potential energy functions represent unstable equilibrium.
• The negative slope of the potential energy function is the force on the object:

Question 2

Where would a particle that began at point C end up?

Answer 2

It would not stop moving.

Question 3

At which of the following points is the force experienced by a particle a maximum?

Answer 3

G

Question 4

Which of the following points on the graph represents an unstable equilibrium?

Answer 4

C

Question 5

At which of the following is the velocity of a particle the fastest?

Answer 5

D

Question 6

Which of the following would happen to a particle at rest at point E ?

Answer 6

It would keep moving on both sides of point E.

Question 7

Which of the following points on the graph has the highest kinetic energy?

Answer 7

D

Question 8

The total energy restricts an object to a certain portion of the curve so that its behavior is like a harmonic oscillator. Between which of the following points could this situation occur?

Answer 8

between points C and E