How Does Particle Motion in a Negative Inverse Square Potential Evolve?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the motion of a particle in a negative inverse square potential defined by V(r) = -b/r², where b > 0. The trajectory equation r = r(φ) is derived for total energy E = 0 and angular momentum conditions, specifically when L²/(2m) < b. The relationship between φ and r is established through integration, leading to the expression φ = L ∫ (1/r² √(2m(E - V_e(r)))) dr. The participants explore the implications of initial radial velocities, dot{r}(t=0) > 0 and dot{r}(t=0) < 0, and discuss the necessity of finding explicit expressions for r(t) and φ(t).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics, particularly potential energy concepts.
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically integration techniques.
  • Knowledge of angular momentum in a physical context.
  • Basic grasp of differential equations related to motion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of trajectories in central force problems.
  • Learn about the implications of energy conservation in particle motion.
  • Investigate the behavior of particles in various potential fields, including harmonic and inverse square potentials.
  • Explore the mathematical techniques for solving differential equations in physics.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those studying classical mechanics and dynamical systems, will benefit from this discussion. It is especially relevant for those focusing on particle motion in potential fields.

stunner5000pt
Messages
1,447
Reaction score
5
For a particle of mass m moving in a potential V(r) = -b/r^2 where the constant b>0 obtain the equation [itex]r = r(\phi}[/itex] of the trajectory for the particular states of motion with total energy E = 0 and angular momenta such that [itex]\frac{L^2}{2m} < b[/itex]
SKetch the trajectory and discuss the motion for
[tex]\dot{r} (t=0) >0[/tex] and
[tex]\dot{r} (t=0) <0[/tex]

Ok so we know that phi and r are related by this equation
[tex]\phi = L \int \frac{1}{r^2 \sqrt{2m(E - V_{e} (r))}} dr + \mbox{constant}[/tex]
here [tex]V_{e} (r) = \frac{-b}{r^2} + \frac{L^2}{2mr^2}[/tex]
also E = 0 so
[tex]\phi = L \int \frac{1}{r^2 \sqrt{2m(\frac{b}{r^2} + \frac{L^2}{2mr^2}}}[/tex]

and integrating we get
[tex]C exp(\phi \frac{\sqrt{2mb - \frac{L^2}{2m}}}{L}}) = r(\phi) = r[/tex]

so far so good?

for the second part
[tex]\dot{r}(t) = \frac{1}{r} \sqrt{\frac{2}{m} (b - \frac{L^2}{2m}}[/tex]
do i need to find explicit expression for r(t) and phi(t) ?
for r' > 0 then r > 0 and phi > 0
for r' < 0 from the relation between r and phi above it does nt look like that could ever be less that zero unless C <0? Do i need to solve for C by the way?

YOur help is always, greatly appreciated!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
heres the sketch that is missing from the question

thank you for your help!
 

Attachments

  • charge.JPG
    charge.JPG
    7.5 KB · Views: 450
can anyone help!

this is due tomorrow! I need to know if what i have is right... please please help! I am desperate!
Note that i posted it about 4 days in advance
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Replies
0
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K