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Question

The potential energy function for a particle executing linear simple harmonic motion is given by V(x) =kx2/2, where k is the force constant of the oscillator. For k = 0.5 N m–1, the graph of V(x) versus x is shown in Fig. 6.12. Show that a particle of total energy 1 J moving under this potential must ‘turn back’ when it reaches x = ± 2 m.

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Solution

Total energy of the particle, E = 1 J

Force constant, k = 0.5 N m–1

Kinetic energy of the particle, K =

According to the conservation law:

E = V + K

At the moment of ‘turn back’, velocity (and hence K) becomes zero.

Hence, the particle turns back when it reaches x = ± 2 m.


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