Question

A body of mass m= 1 kg is moving along the x-axis. Its potential energy is given by the function


U(x)=2*(x^2−1)^2

Suppose the body starts with zero speed at x=1.5 m. What is its speed (in m/s) at x=0 m and at x=−1 m?

v(x=0)=

v(x=−1)=

Answer 1

Find the potential energy when x = 0 or x = -1

Then using this energy then find speed using

KE = 1/2mv^2

m = 1 kg