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 I am wrong ,some help?

x=15 i know F=0

 

[Brad Barker]

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 I am 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