Classical Mechanics Acceleration under force F=-K/x^2

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
1 reply · 3K views
macphysics
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Here's a classical mechanics problem I'm having some trouble with:
A particle of mass m moves on the positive x-axis under the influence of a force F=-K/x^2, where K is a positive constant. The particle is released from rest at x=R at time 0. Find the velocity as a function of x as it accelerates towards the origin. Find the time at which it reaches the origin (you may need integral tables).

The problem that I'm having is that the function that I get isn't defined at either x=R, or at x=0. Any help would be appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
macphysics said:
Here's a classical mechanics problem I'm having some trouble with:
A particle of mass m moves on the positive x-axis under the influence of a force F=-K/x^2, where K is a positive constant. The particle is released from rest at x=R at time 0. Find the velocity as a function of x as it accelerates towards the origin. Find the time at which it reaches the origin (you may need integral tables).

The problem that I'm having is that the function that I get isn't defined at either x=R, or at x=0. Any help would be appreciated!
Hello macphysics. Welcome to PF !

Show what your result is and how you got it.

We can't help much without more details, and the rules of this forum forbid us from providing you with a solution, even if we were so motivated.