Graph the potential of an anharmonic oscillator

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on graphing the potential of an anharmonic oscillator, specifically addressing the calculation of potential energy using the equation U(x) = 1/2kx². The user is uncertain about the constant "k" and how to determine the x-axis values for the graph. It is clarified that the potential U(x) can be derived from the integral of force, with force defined as F = ma = m d²x/dt². By finding an expression for force and integrating, one can obtain U(x) for plotting. The conversation emphasizes the simplicity of determining the x-axis once the relationship between force and potential is understood.
curto
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Homework Statement



my spreadsheet: (oh and please ignore the fact that I've got my amplitude set to 39, i was still answering question 1 when i took the screen shot)

Untitled-1-1.png


the question i am currently having problems with is question 2:

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Homework Equations



i know the potential is U(x) = 1/2kx2 but that's about all i know

The Attempt at a Solution



i would use the above equation to find U which would be plotted on the y axis, however i don't know what the constant "k" is. also i don't know what i would use as the x axis
 
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i figured it out but just for anyone else who would like to know, its actually quite simple. the potential U(x) is equal to the integral of -F dx. simply find an expression for F (remember F = ma = m d^2x/dt^2) and then integrate. that's going to be your expression for U(x). then all you got to do is plot U(x) where x can have any range.
 
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