Which row in the table describes the speed and potential energy of a particle at point P on this path?
| Speed at P | Potential energy at P |
|------------|---------------------|
| A | greatest | greatest |
| B | greatest | least |
| C | least | greatest |
| D | least | least | - Edexcel - A-Level Physics - Question 8 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 8
Which row in the table describes the speed and potential energy of a particle at point P on this path?
| Speed at P | Potential energy at P |
|------------|-------... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which row in the table describes the speed and potential energy of a particle at point P on this path?
| Speed at P | Potential energy at P |
|------------|---------------------|
| A | greatest | greatest |
| B | greatest | least |
| C | least | greatest |
| D | least | least | - Edexcel - A-Level Physics - Question 8 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the relationship between speed and potential energy
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Answer
In the context of mechanics, the speed of a particle is inversely related to its potential energy when the total energy is conserved. As potential energy increases, the speed decreases and vice versa.
Step 2
Evaluate the options in the table
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Answer
Considering the relationship established, we analyze each row:
Row A: Greatest speed and greatest potential energy - Not possible simultaneously.
Row B: Greatest speed and least potential energy - This can happen when the particle is close to the lowest point in a potential field.
Row C: Least speed and greatest potential energy - This is achievable when the particle is at a high potential point.
Row D: Least speed and least potential energy - This does not describe a valid scenario as a particle may still have speed.
Step 3
Conclusion
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Answer
The valid option based on the analysis is Row C, which states:
Speed at P: least
Potential energy at P: greatest
This accurately describes a scenario where the particle is at a peak potential energy point.