Potential Energy: Differentiating to Find Force

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between potential energy and force, specifically focusing on differentiating a potential energy function with respect to position. The subject area includes concepts from classical mechanics and calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of the potential energy function to find force, questioning the presence of negative terms and components in the equation. There is also a mention of relevant equations and the need for clarity on the components involved in the differentiation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising questions about the correctness of the differentiation process and the treatment of different components. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relevant equations, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach being taken.

Contextual Notes

There is a note about the use of a homework template and the expectation to include relevant equations, indicating that participants are working within specific homework constraints.

omarMihilmy
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To find the force we will differentiate the function with respect to x (dx)
My problem is with the solution
If we differentiate:
dU/dx = 9x^2 - 7

From where does the negative come from also the j component?
 
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You should have used the homework template, then you have written the relevant equations. What equation is relevant for finding force from potential energy?
 
F = dU/dx
 
That is not correct.
 
Correct me if I am wrong
 
Why are you disregarding the y-component when you differentiate?
 

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