Questions Related to physics

Multiple choice physics energy : forms and sources concept of energy energy for everything forms of energy

A particle of mass $m$ is moving in a horizontal circle of radius $r$ with a centripetal force $\vec {F}=\dfrac{-k}{r^{2}}\hat {r}$. The total mechanical energy of the particle is 

  1. $\dfrac{-k}{r}$
  2. $\dfrac{3}{2}\dfrac{k}{r}$
  3. $\dfrac{-k}{2r}$
  4. $\dfrac{-3k}{2r}$
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

For a central force F = -k/r^2, the potential energy U = -k/r. The kinetic energy K = 1/2 * |U| = k/2r. Total energy E = K + U = k/2r - k/r = -k/2r.