# Potential energy graph x-component

#### psingh

What is the x-component of the force on the particle at x=5, 15, 25, and 35 cm

i thought it was just the slope?!? but im wrong ,some help?

x=15 i know F=0

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psingh said:
What is the x-component of the force on the particle at x=5, 15, 25, and 35 cm

i thought it was just the slope?!? but im wrong ,some help?

x=15 i know F=0

so close!

there's a formula that should be in your text:

|F| = - dU/dx. (direction is along the x-axis.)

(if, like in this problem, we are only concerned with one dimension.)

in three dimensions, F = - grad U

#### psingh

oye you're right neg. slope =] thankss

#### Dr.Brain

In differential form , the relation is fiven by

$F = \frac{-dU}{dR}$

Just find the slope of the tangents at each of the given x-coordinates . The answer will be positive or negative depending on whether Potential is decreasing or increasing at that point.

BJ

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