- #1
thomasb1215
- 3
- 1
I'm working on a homework problem which states:
"Some object, starting from far down the negative x-axis and moving in the positive x direction, experiences a force, the potential energy U of which is modeled by the function U = 2e^(-x^2), where x is in meters and U is in Joules. The total energy E of the object remains constant at E = 1J. Describe the motion of the object."
The problem isn't worded that well but I take it to mean the potential energy of the object, not of the force.
Relevant equations:
E = U + K
ΔU + ΔK = 0
I understand everything up until the point where U = 1. I know that the greater the potential energy gets, the lesser the kinetic energy gets due to conservation of energy. Thus, the object will slow down as U gets larger and speed up as U gets smaller. When U is greater a than 1, however, K would have to be negative for E to remain constant, which I know is not possible, so I am confused. Am I overlooking something that has to do with the force applied to the object?
Thanks in advance for the help.
"Some object, starting from far down the negative x-axis and moving in the positive x direction, experiences a force, the potential energy U of which is modeled by the function U = 2e^(-x^2), where x is in meters and U is in Joules. The total energy E of the object remains constant at E = 1J. Describe the motion of the object."
The problem isn't worded that well but I take it to mean the potential energy of the object, not of the force.
Relevant equations:
E = U + K
ΔU + ΔK = 0
I understand everything up until the point where U = 1. I know that the greater the potential energy gets, the lesser the kinetic energy gets due to conservation of energy. Thus, the object will slow down as U gets larger and speed up as U gets smaller. When U is greater a than 1, however, K would have to be negative for E to remain constant, which I know is not possible, so I am confused. Am I overlooking something that has to do with the force applied to the object?
Thanks in advance for the help.