Potential Energy

IMPORTANT

Potential Energy: Overview

In this topic, we will learn the concepts of potential energy of an object. We will also derive its formula by taking the example of gravitational potential energy and work done by a conservative force.

Important Questions on Potential Energy

HARD
IMPORTANT

If potential energy function for the force between two atoms in a diatomic molecule is approximately given by Ux=ax8-bx4, where a and b are constants in standard SI units and x is in metres. Find the dissociation energy of the molecule (in J). [Take a=4 J m8 and b=20 J m4]

EASY
IMPORTANT

Which of the following is true for an Unstable equilibrium ?

EASY
IMPORTANT

For unstable equilibrium,the second derivative should be Negative. 

EASY
IMPORTANT

A rectangle block rests on a horizontal table. A horizontal force is applied on the block at a height h above the table to move the block. Does the line of action of the normal force N exerted by the table on the block depend on h?

EASY
IMPORTANT

For equilibrium, the net moment acting on the body by various forces is zero.

EASY
IMPORTANT

The energy of a body due to its position or change in shape is known as _____energy. 

EASY
IMPORTANT

Formula for potential energy is_____.

EASY
IMPORTANT

Water stored in a dam posseses

EASY
IMPORTANT

A body is falling from a height h. After it has fallen a height h/2, it will possess_____.

EASY
IMPORTANT

Water stored in a dam possesses_____.

EASY
IMPORTANT

A car is accelerated on a levelled road and attains a velocity 4 times of its initial velocity. In this process the potential energy of the car_____.

EASY
IMPORTANT

The energy possessed by a body due to its position is called

EASY
IMPORTANT

If mass of an object, m = 10 kg, displacement (height) h = 6m, and acceleration due to gravity, g = 9.8 ms-2. Then potential energy is  

HARD
IMPORTANT

The given plot shows the variation of U, the potential energy of interaction between two particles with the distance separating them r.

 

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1. B and D are equilibrium points

2. C is a point of stable equilibrium

3. The force of interaction between the two particles is attractive between points C and D and repulsive between D and E

4. The force of interaction between particles is repulsive between points E and F.

Which of the above statements is correct?

HARD
IMPORTANT

Ux=ax12-bx6 represents the potential energy between two atoms in a molecule, where x is the distance between the atoms and A and B are positive. The atom will be in stable equilibrium if

EASY
IMPORTANT

A particle of mass m = 1 kg lying on x axis experiences a force given by law, F=x(3x-2) N, where x is the coordinate of the particle in meters.

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Draw the graph of variation of force F (y-axis) with x-coordinate of the particle (x-axis). Hence or otherwise indicate at which positions the particle is in stable or unstable equilibrium.

HARD
IMPORTANT

In the arrangements shown below, all the balls are identical and strings are light. There is no friction. In each of the three arrangements A, B and C, the system is in equilibrium.
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The hill slopes are identical on the two slides in each of the arrangements.
One of the balls in each arrangement is pulled down a little along the hill slope.

HARD
IMPORTANT

If potential energy function for the force between two atoms in a diatomic molecule is approximately given by Ux=ax8-bx4, where a and b are constants in standard SI units and x is in metres. Find the dissociation energy of the molecule (in J). [Take a=4 J m8 and b=20 J m4]

EASY
IMPORTANT

A block of mass 10 kg is kept on a rough inclined plane as shown in the figure. The coefficient of friction between the block and the surface is 0.6 . Two forces of magnitude 3N and P Newton are acting on the block. If friction on the block is acting upwards then minimum value of P for which the block remains at rest is:

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MEDIUM
IMPORTANT

In the following diagrams, a particle with small charge - q is free to move up or down, but not sideways near a larger fixed charge Q. The small charge is in equilibrium because in the positions shown, the electrical upward force is equal to the weight of the particle. Which statement is true?

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