Potential and Differential equations

[abramsay]

Homework Statement

A particle of mass m = 3kg moves in the xy plane under the influence of a force field having potential φ = 12x(3y - 4x)
The particle starts at a point with position vector r = 10i - 10j.
a) set up the differential equations and conditions describing the motion.
b) solve th differential equations set up.
c) Find the position at any time.
d) Find the velocity at any time

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Really I can't do (a) and (b) but I know I would need it to solve (c) and (d)

 

[gabbagabbahey]

The Attempt at a Solution

Really I can't do (a) and (b) but I know I would need it to solve (c) and (d)

What force does the given potential exert on the particle? What does Newton's 2nd law tell you about the effect of that force on the particle? How is acceleration $\textbf{a}(t)$ related to position $\textbf{r}(t)$?