Did I Apply the Taylor Series Correctly to the Restoring Force?

  • Thread starter Thread starter NeedPhysHelp8
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Force Shm
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the binding force of an atom bonded to a surface, expressed through a complex function involving exponential and trigonometric terms. The context is small oscillations around an equilibrium point defined at z=0, with the influence of Earth's gravity considered.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the Taylor Series expansion to the force function to derive an approximate expression for the binding force. Some participants question the correctness of the derivative calculation, specifically F', and seek clarification on the application of the chain rule.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing feedback on the original poster's calculations. There is acknowledgment of potential errors in the derivative computation, but no consensus has been reached regarding the correctness of the approach overall.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the Taylor Series expansion and its application to the given force function, with specific attention to the evaluation at the equilibrium point and the treatment of higher-order terms.

NeedPhysHelp8
Messages
38
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
An atom of mass m is bonded to surface immobile body by electromagnetic forces. The force binding the atom to the surface has the expression:

F= exp\ (a\cos z + b\sin z) + d\tan(z)

where a,b, and d are constants and z is upwards. The equilibrium point is defined to be z=0. The system is subject to Earth's gravity

For small oscillations, give an approximate expression for the binding force on the atom.

The attempt at a solution
Ok so in class we were taught to do the Taylor Series expansion on F(x) and keep the linear term so you can get something that looks like F=-kx . So I got this after doing Taylor Series expansion:

where F' = (-a\sin z + b\cos z) exp\ (a\cos z + b\sin z) + d\sec^2 (z) then evaluate at z=0 then final result is :

F(z)= (b exp(a) + d )z

Since F(0) is always 0 at the equilibrium I took that out of Taylor series and ignored higher order terms.

Now I'm not sure if I'm going about this the right way? Can someone please tell me if I did this right or not? Much appreciated I love this forum!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
You've got the right idea, but you seem to have computed F' incorrectly. Take another look at that calculation.
 
How is F' wrong?? :S please explain I just used the chain rule
 
It's wrong for the F that was in your post when I wrote mine. But after your edit, everything looks OK.
 
Thanks
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
4K
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K