Solution Found!
Answer: A force parallel to the x-axis acts on a particle
Chapter 7, Problem 35E(choose chapter or problem)
Problem 35E
A force parallel to the x-axis acts on a particle moving along the x-axis. This force produces potential energy U(x) given by U(x) = αx4, where α = 1.20 J/m4. What is the force (magnitude and direction) when the particles is at x = −0.0800 m?
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Problem 35E
A force parallel to the x-axis acts on a particle moving along the x-axis. This force produces potential energy U(x) given by U(x) = αx4, where α = 1.20 J/m4. What is the force (magnitude and direction) when the particles is at x = −0.0800 m?
ANSWER:
Solution 35E
Step 1:
The particle is moving in the x-axis and the potential is only a function of x. So, we don’t have to worry about the vectorial notation.
The potential energy is,
.
We know that, force is the gradient of the potential. So,
.
This is an attractive force which is clear from the minus sign.