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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

Asked in NEET 2013 Karnataka · Potential energy functions and force

Answer: (1) U(x)<E

Step-by-step solution

Idea: the total energy splits into kinetic and potential, and the kinetic part can never be negative.

E=K+U(x), so K=E-U(x).

K=1/2mv²≥0, so U(x)≤ E everywhere the particle can be found.

The particle is described as moving, so K>0 strictly.

U(x)<E is therefore the region its motion is restricted to, with U=E marking the turning points at its edges.

Why the other options are wrong

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