University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 7 - Potential Energy and Energy Conservation - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 228: Q7.22

Answer

The speed is greatest at $x=0$ when potetial energy is minimal and kinetic energy is maximal.

Work Step by Step

If elastic potential energy $U_{el}=\frac{1}{2}kx^{2}$ and total energy is $E_{1}$ then kinetic energy $K=\frac{mv^{2}}{2}=E_{1} - U_{el}=E_{1}-\frac{1}{2}kx^{2}$. So speed of the particle equals $v=\frac{2E_{1}-kx^{2}}{m}=-\frac{kx^{2}}{m}+\frac{2E_{1}}{m}$, which represents an x-axis inverted parabola with y-interception at $\frac{2E_{1}}{m}$. If energy is $E_{2}$ we have the same parabola with y-interception at $\frac{2E_{2}}{m}$. As seen from the graph the speed is greatest at $x=0$ when potetial energy is minimal and kinetic energy is maximal.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.