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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the Taylor Series to approximate the binding force of an atom bonded to a surface by electromagnetic forces, represented by the equation F = exp(a cos z + b sin z) + d tan(z). The participant successfully performed the Taylor Series expansion, yielding F(z) = (b exp(a) + d)z, but faced uncertainty regarding the accuracy of their derivative calculation, F'. Feedback indicated that the initial computation of F' was incorrect, but subsequent adjustments aligned with the correct approach. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of careful derivative evaluation in Taylor Series applications.

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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:
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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:

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