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Potential energy might be thought of as the potential for a body to gain kinetic energy if allowed to move. A ball held several feet above the surface of the earth has potential energy because if it is released, gravity will cause it to fall and acquire kinetic energy - or more accurately - convert the potential energy into kinetic energy. The amount of potential energy is determined by the position of the body relative to the source of the force acting on it. Some sources of forces include gravity, magnetism, and electrical charge. On a microscopic scale, we can tell that the potential energy of a particle has increased if it has moved farther from the source of the force. It would also gain potential energy if the magnetic strength increased (when magnetism is creating the force) or the charge increased (when charge is creating the force). Note that in the case of gravity, the mass of the source of the gravity would have to increase since if the mass of the particle increased, it would be a different particle.

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How do you know macroscopically that the potential energy of the particle has increased?

It is not possible to know that I'm afraid :(


How does the electric potential energy between two charged particles change if one particle's charge is increased by a factor of 2?

The electric potential energy between two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of their charges. If one particle's charge is increased by a factor of 2, the potential energy between the two particles will increase by a factor of 2 as well.


When a particle is not moving what type of energy does it have?

When a particle is not moving, it still has potential energy due to its position in a force field. This potential energy can be gravitational, elastic, or related to other forces acting on the particle.


How does the electric potential energy between two charged particles change if one particles charge is increased by a factor of two?

It is increased by a factor of 2


Particle in a one dimensional potential well?

A particle in a one-dimensional potential well is a common problem in quantum mechanics, where a particle is confined to a specific region of space. The behavior of the particle is determined by the shape of the potential well and the energy of the particle. In an infinite potential well, the particle's energy is quantized and can only take on certain allowed values, leading to the formation of discrete energy levels.


The energy an object or particle has because of its location relative to another object or particle?

potential energy


What is kinetic energy plus particle attraction called?

Kinetic energy plus particle attraction is commonly referred to as potential energy. Kinetic energy is associated with motion, while particle attraction, such as gravitational or electrostatic forces, contributes to the potential energy of a system.


How do you find particles maximum speed in a potential energy diagram?

To find a particle's maximum speed in a potential energy diagram, you need to locate the point in the diagram where the potential energy curve is at its lowest. The maximum speed of the particle at that point is determined by the total mechanical energy it possesses, which is the sum of its kinetic and potential energies. At the point where the potential energy is lowest, the kinetic energy is at its maximum, indicating the particle's maximum speed.


If a particle falls through a height its potential energy decreases. does this violate the law of conservation of energy explain why?

No, it does not violate the law of conservation of energy. When a particle falls, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. The total energy (potential + kinetic) remains constant, demonstrating the conservation of energy.


What are the key features and characteristics of a potential well diagram?

A potential well diagram typically shows a graph with a potential energy function that represents the energy levels of a particle in a confined space. The key features include the potential energy curve, the depth of the well, the width of the well, and the energy levels of the particle within the well. The characteristics of a potential well diagram can help illustrate how a particle behaves in a specific potential energy environment.


What is the Lagrangian for a particle moving on a sphere?

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What is the potential energy increased by going up hill?

gravitational potential energy