- #1
Tony Hau
- 101
- 30
- Homework Statement
- Define the angle measured from the vertical to the line connecting the center of the
circle and the contact point of cube to the circle as 𝜃. Expand the potential energy as
a function of 𝜃 to the second order; i.e. 𝜃^2, around its stable equilibrium for 𝑅 = 𝑏.
- Relevant Equations
- U(𝜃) = mgh(𝜃) = mg[(R+b/2)cos𝜃 +R𝜃sin𝜃]
The problem of my question is the b part below:
I know that the potential energy is just the gravitational potential energy, which is mgh(𝜃) = mg[(R+b/2)cos𝜃 +R𝜃sin𝜃], derived from the geometry. The equilibrium point is at 𝜃=0 and the system is a stable equilibrium for R>b/2. However, I have no idea how I can convert the potential energy as a function of the square of 𝜃, as stated by the question.
I know that the potential energy is just the gravitational potential energy, which is mgh(𝜃) = mg[(R+b/2)cos𝜃 +R𝜃sin𝜃], derived from the geometry. The equilibrium point is at 𝜃=0 and the system is a stable equilibrium for R>b/2. However, I have no idea how I can convert the potential energy as a function of the square of 𝜃, as stated by the question.