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A2L Item 146

Meta-Information
Description: 
Identify the correct behavior of a body subject to the given potential energy function.
Goal: 
Hone the concept of potential energy functions
Level: 
Undergraduate
Keywords: 
Mechanics
Keywords: 
Potential Energy
Source: 
UMPERG-ctqpe65

The potential energy function for a certain body is shown at right. If the body is released from rest at a location corresponding to point 4, the object would …

  1. move towards larger values of x.
  2. move towards smaller values of x.
  3. remain stationary.
  4. oscillate back and forth.
  5. None of the above
  6. Cannot be determined
Commentary

Answer

(2) At position 4 the object experiences a force toward the origin given by the negative of the slope of the potential curve. Frequently students interpret the fact that U is zero at point 4 to mean that there is no force.