A particle moves in one dimension (along the x-axis), where the potential energy is given by the function U(x) shown below. The constants are A = 2.00 J/m2 and B = 4.00 J/m. The total energy of the particle is E = 8.00 J.                     U(x) = Ax2 + Bx (a) What is the equilibrium position of the particle (x, in units of meters)? Is the equilibrium position stable or unstable? (b) What range of positions is the particle restricted to? Give both xmin (the smallest possible position) and xmax (the largest possible position), in units of meters. Hint: the particle is restricted to move in the region where E ≥ U(x).

Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations and Connections
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Author:Katz, Debora M.
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Chapter8: Conservation Of Energy
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 55PQ: A particle moves in one dimension under the action of a conservative force. The potential energy of...
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A particle moves in one dimension (along the x-axis), where the potential energy is given by the function U(x) shown below. The constants are A = 2.00 J/m2 and B = 4.00 J/m. The total energy of the particle is E = 8.00 J.

                    U(x) = Ax2 + Bx

(a) What is the equilibrium position of the particle (x, in units of meters)? Is the equilibrium position stable or unstable?

(b) What range of positions is the particle restricted to? Give both xmin (the smallest possible position) and xmax (the largest possible position), in units of meters. Hint: the particle is restricted to move in the region where E ≥ U(x).

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