Halliday, Resnick & Walker — Oscillations: Problem Problem_28

Figure 15.19 gives the one-dimensional potential energy well for a 2.0 kg particle (the function \( U(x) \) has the form \( bx^2 \) and the vertical axis scale is set by \( U_s = 2.0 \text{ J} \)). (a) If the particle passes through the equilibrium position with a velocity of 85 cm/s, will it be turned back before it reaches \( x = 15 \text{ cm} \)? (b) If yes, at what position, and if no, what is the speed of the particle at \( x = 15 \text{ cm} \)?