A2L Item 148
- Description: Characterize the force associated with a potential energy function.
- Goal: Hone the concept of conservative force
- Source: UMPERG-ctqpe67
- Keywords: Forces, Mechanics, Potential Energy
The question for students:
The
potential energy function for a certain body is shown at right. The
force associated with this potential is …
- conservative.
- dissipative.
- neither conservative or dissipative.
- Cannot be determined
Commentary for teachers:
Answer
(1) It is remarkable how many students will select one of the other answers. Many students do not recognize that you cannot have a potential function unless the force is conservative.