Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 8 - Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy - Problems - Page 213: 134a

Answer

The particle of mass $m$ could approach the particle of mass $M$ until reaching the closest point $r$ where $U = E$ The particle of mass $m$ will then escape to the right since $E \gt U$.

Work Step by Step

The particle of mass $m$ could approach the particle of mass $M$ until reaching the closest point $r$ where $U = E$ Then, since the slope of the $U$ versus $r$ graph is negative at this point, there will be a repelling force between the particles. The particle of mass $m$ will move to the right, farther away from the particle of mass $M$. The particle of mass $m$ will then escape to the right since $E \gt U$.
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