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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