Question

The potential energy of a particle oscillating along x-axis is given as $U=20+(x-2{)}^2$ where $U$ is in joules and $x$ in meters. Total mechanical energy of the particle is $36J$.
Maximum kinetic energy of the particle is

• A. $24J$
• B. $36J$
• C. $16J$
• D. $20J$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$16J$

$U_{min}=20+(x-2{)}^2$ at $x=2$

$U_{min}=20J$

$K_{max}=E-U_{min}$

$K_{max}=36-U_{min}$

$K_{max}=36-20J$