A particle with total energy E is moving in a potential energy region U(x). Motion of the particle is restricted to the region when
- U(x) < E
- U(x) = 0
- U(x) E
- U(x) > E
Answer
(3) U(x) E
Solution
E = K + U(x)
K = E - U(x)
kinetic energy can never be negative, K 0
U(x) E (at the turning points U(x) = E, where K = 0)
Answer: (3)