Question:
Consider a one-dimensional motion of a particle with total energy E. There are four regions A, B, C, and D in which the relation between potential energy V,
kinetic energy (K) and total energy is as given below:
Region A: V > E
Region B: V < E
Region C: K > E
Region D: V > K
State with reason in each case whether a particle can be found in the given region or not.
Solution:
For region A, E = V + K and V > E which means that the KE is negative and this is not possible.
For region B, K = E – V and V < E which means that both the energies are greater than zero
For region C, V = E – K and K > E which means that PE is negative
For region D, K = E – V and V > K which means that PE is greater than KE