A2L Item 146
- Description: Identify the correct behavior of a body subject to the given potential energy function.
- Goal: Hone the concept of potential energy functions
- Source: UMPERG-ctqpe65
- Keywords: Mechanics, Potential Energy
The question for students:
The potential energy function for a certain body is shown at right. If the body is released from rest at a location corresponding to point 4, the object would …
- move towards larger values of x.
- move towards smaller values of x.
- remain stationary.
- oscillate back and forth.
- None of the above
- Cannot be determined
Commentary for teachers:
Answer
(2) At position 4 the object experiences a force toward the origin given by the negative of the slope of the potential curve. Frequently students interpret the fact that U is zero at point 4 to mean that there is no force.