FIGURE EX10.28 shows the potential-energy diagram for a 500 g particle as it moves along the x-axis. Suppose the particle's mechanical energy is 12 J. (a) Where are the particle's turning points?

Video transcript

Hey everyone. So this problem is dealing with potential energy graphs. Let's see what it's asking us. The graph of the potential energy with respect to position along the X axis of a particle is shown in the figure below given the particle's mass of g and a mechanical energy of 16 joules determine the points along the particle's path where it experiences a change in direction, also known as turning points. So our multiple choice answers here are A X equals four m and X equals five m. B X equals two m and X equals three m or C sorry, C X equals three m and X equals four m or D X equals three m and X equals five m. So the key to this problem is recognizing that the turning point is the point where the total energy crosses the potential energy curve. And so we are told in this problem that our mechanical energy is 16 Jews. So that's our total energy. So we need to find where it crosses the potential energy curve. So we'll take our graph here, we'll find where The uh energy is Jews and we'll just draw a line across and see where it connects, where it crosses. So the first spot is here At three m and the second spot is at four m. And so that aligns with answer choice C X equals three m and X equals four m. And those are the turning points for this potential energy graph. So that's all we have for this one. We'll see you in the next problem.