Equation of motion for a particle in a potential V(x)

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The discussion focuses on the equation of motion for a particle in a potential V(x), where the equation is presented as dx/dt = -V'(x) + q(t). Participants clarify that V(x) is a function of space, meaning V' should not be treated as a time-dependent variable. There is confusion regarding the integration of the equation, with several contributors pointing out that x(t) is an unknown function and cannot be directly integrated in the proposed manner. The necessity of knowing the function q(t) is emphasized, as it is crucial for solving the equation of motion accurately. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of correctly applying mathematical principles in the context of dynamics.
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If I have particle moving in the potential ##V(x)##, when I write equation of motion
## \frac{dx}{dt}=-V'(x)+q(t)##
and when I integrate this equation do I need to look ##V'(x)## as function of time, or I just could write
## x(t)=-V'(x)t+\int^t_0q(t)dt ##
Thanks for your answer!
 
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It depends on how V is defined. According to what you wrote V=V(x) is just a function of space and hence you are correct.

Anyway, what's q(t)? And how did you obtain that equation of motion?
 
Yes but ##x=x(t)## and ##V=V(x)##. So I am confused. But because ##V(x)## is potential I think that I write equation in correct form. This is potential in which particle moves.
 
It seems you're using kind of a "constant of differentiation"(like a constant of integration) which is mathematically wrong!
You should add a constant only when you integrate something, not when you differentiate something!
 
No, you are not allowed to integrate the equations of motion like that. Even if V does not depend explicitly on time, it does so implicitly through x.

I also agree with earlier answers that your EoM looks weird.
 
Yes but you know. Particle is moving in some potential ##V(x)##. In certain moment ##t## it has coordinate ##x(t)##. ##q(t)## is certain pulse. How do you write down this solution?
 
LagrangeEuler said:
Yes but you know. Particle is moving in some potential ##V(x)##. In certain moment ##t## it has coordinate ##x(t)##. ##q(t)## is certain pulse. How do you write down this solution?

Well...You can't write the solution without knowing what is q(t)!
 
LagrangeEuler said:
Yes but you know. Particle is moving in some potential ##V(x)##. In certain moment ##t## it has coordinate ##x(t)##. ##q(t)## is certain pulse. How do you write down this solution?

Well...You can't write the solution without knowing what is q(t)!

Also the following is wrong.
LagrangeEuler said:
## x(t)=-V'(x)t+\int^t_0q(t)dt ##
Because x is an unknown function of time so you can't integrate. That's called a differential equation and it has its own methods.
 

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