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 E 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.

Answer 1

Region A : No, as KE will become negative.

Region B : Yes, total energy can be greater than PE for non zero K.E.

Region C : Yes, KE can be greater than total energy if its PE is negative.

Region D : Yes, as PE can be greater than KE.