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Ch 10: Interactions and Potential Energy
Chapter 10, Problem 10

A 1.0 kg mass that can move along the x -axis experiences the potential energy U=(x²−x) J, where x is in m. The mass has velocity v𝓍=3.0 m/s at position x=1.0 m . At what position has it slowed to 1.0 m/s?

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Calculate the initial kinetic energy using the formula \( K = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 \), where \( m = 1.0 \) kg and \( v = 3.0 \) m/s.
Calculate the initial potential energy using the given potential energy function \( U(x) = x^2 - x \) J, at the position \( x = 1.0 \) m.
Determine the total mechanical energy at the initial position by summing the initial kinetic and potential energies.
Calculate the kinetic energy at the position where the velocity has slowed to 1.0 m/s using the same kinetic energy formula with \( v = 1.0 \) m/s.
Set the total mechanical energy equal to the sum of the kinetic energy at the new velocity and the potential energy at the new position, and solve for \( x \) using the equation \( E = K + U(x) \).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Potential Energy

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position in a force field, such as gravitational or elastic fields. In this case, the potential energy U is given as a function of position x, indicating how the energy changes as the mass moves along the x-axis. Understanding how potential energy varies with position is crucial for analyzing the motion and energy transformations of the mass.
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Kinetic Energy and Conservation of Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, calculated as KE = 0.5 * m * v², where m is mass and v is velocity. The principle of conservation of energy states that the total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) in a closed system remains constant. This concept is essential for determining the position where the mass slows down, as it allows us to relate changes in kinetic energy to changes in potential energy.
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Velocity and Motion

Velocity is a vector quantity that describes the rate of change of an object's position with respect to time, including both speed and direction. In this problem, the mass's velocity changes from 3.0 m/s to 1.0 m/s, which indicates a deceleration. Understanding how velocity relates to position and energy is key to solving for the new position where the mass reaches the specified speed.
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Related Practice
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