FIGURE 8-10 A 2.0 kg mass is moving along the x axis. The potential energy curve as a function of position is shown in Figure 8-11. The system is conservative. There is no friction.
-Refer to Figure 8-10. If the speed of the object at the origin is 4.0 m/s, what will be its speed at 4.0 m along the +x-axis?

Question

FIGURE 8-10  A 2.0 kg mass is moving along the x axis. The potential energy curve as a function of position is shown in Figure 8-11. The system is conservative. There is no friction.
-Refer to Figure 8-10. If the speed of the object at the origin is 4.0 m/s, what will be its speed at 4.0 m along the +x-axis?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The speed of the object can be determined using the conservation of energy principle. If no external forces are acting on the object, its kinetic energy at the origin and at 4.0 m along the +x-axis will be the same. Assuming no potential energy change, the speed at 4.0 m will be slightly higher due to any work done by internal forces, resulting in a speed of 4.4 m/s.

FIGURE 8-10 a 2