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EquationOfMotion
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Is there any good physical or graphical intuition for why ##\frac{d \langle p \rangle}{dt} = -\frac{\partial V(\langle x \rangle)}{\partial x}##? Classically this is apparently true.
Thanks.
Thanks.
EquationOfMotion said:Is there any good physical or graphical intuition for why ##\frac{d \langle p \rangle}{dt} = -\frac{\partial V(\langle x \rangle)}{\partial x}##? Classically this is apparently true.
Thanks.
PeroK said:In classical physics potential is defined so that ##F = -\frac{\partial V}{\partial x}##.
Your equation is, however, not correct. It should be:
##\frac{d \langle p \rangle}{dt} = -\langle \frac{\partial V(x)}{\partial x} \rangle##
/dt = -dV( This equation represents the relationship between the change in momentum over time and the change in potential energy over distance. It is known as the "equation of motion" in physics. Intuitively, this equation tells us that as momentum decreases, potential energy increases, and vice versa. This makes sense because as an object gains momentum, it has a greater ability to move and therefore its potential energy decreases. The negative sign indicates that there is an inverse relationship between momentum and potential energy. This means that as one increases, the other decreases, and vice versa. Imagine a rollercoaster ride. As the rollercoaster car gains momentum going down a hill, its potential energy decreases. Then, as it reaches the bottom and starts going up another hill, its momentum decreases while its potential energy increases. This equation is a simplified version of a more general equation that applies to systems with a single particle and conservative forces. It may not apply to more complex systems with multiple particles and non-conservative forces.2. How does this equation relate to intuition?
3. What is the significance of the negative sign in the equation?
4. Can you provide an example of this equation in action?
5. Is this equation applicable to all scenarios?
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