Physics Solution: Turning Point Analysis
Step 1: Calculate Total Energy
At $x = 1.0$ m, the particle has:
- Kinetic Energy $K = 1.0$ J
- Potential Energy $U = 1.0$ J (from graph)
Total Mechanical Energy is conserved:
$$E = K + U = 2.0 \text{ J}$$Step 2: Find Turning Point
The turning point occurs where velocity is zero ($K=0$). At this point, all energy is potential:
$$U(x) = E = 2.0 \text{ J}$$Looking at the graph for $x > 1.0$, the line starts at $(2,0)$ and rises linearly. We can see it passes through $(6, 2)$. Thus, the potential energy reaches $2.0$ J at:
$$x = 6.0 \text{ m}$$
Answer: (d) $x = 6.0 \text{ m}$
