In the graph, which two regions show the particle undergoing zero acceleration and negative acceleration respectively?

the independent variable, the one that is intentionally manipulated, is whether or not the car hits the barrier.

the dependent variable, the one that you measure the response in, is the distance that the washers travel.

answer: the potential energy decreases from 379 j to 243 j

explanation:

for the law of conservation of energy, the total energy in a system must be conserved. the total energy of the system is given by the sum of kinetic (k) and potential (u) energy:

e = k + u

the total energy is e=675 j, and this does not change.

initially, the kinetic energy is k=296 j, so the potential energy is

at the end, the kinetic energy is k=432 j, so the potential energy is

so, we see that the potential energy has decreased from 379 j to 243 j.