I have a few questions about partial derivatives and potential functions.

[vande060]

Homework Statement

I have no homework problem to ask, but rather a general question.

Ill give and example of a potential function V = 3x^2 + 2y^2

i know to find Fx i have to differentiate 3x^2 with respect to x and 2y^2 with respect to y. But i have seen cases where someone takes the x component and differentiates with respect to y and the y component with respect to x. how do you know which one to use?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[vande060]

maybe i am just confusing the test for a force to be conservative

test for conservative: dFx/dy = dFy/dx