Physics · The potential energy of a spring, conservation of mechanical energy, conservative and non-conservative forces

If both the objects have the same PE curve as shown in the figure, then

If both the objects have the same PE curve as shown in the figure, then

  • A. For objects having total energy \( E_{2} \), all values of r are possible
  • B. For the object having total energy \( E_{2} \), values of \( r<r_{0} \) are only possible
  • C. For the object having total energy \( E_{1} \), all values of rare possible
  • D. None of the above

Step-by-step solution

Since the potential energy curve has a minimum and goes to zero at large r, an object with total energy E1 (greater than the potential at infinity) is unbound and can occupy any radial distance r. In contrast, E2 is likely a bound state energy for which only a range of r around the minimum is accessible, not all r or solely r<r0.
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