What does a force of zero indicate about the total force acting on a particle?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of a zero force acting on a particle, particularly in the context of potential energy and external forces. Participants are exploring the relationship between force, potential energy, and the conditions under which these forces are defined.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the meaning of a zero total force, considering whether it implies the presence of external forces. There is also a discussion about the implications of potential energy and its derivatives in relation to force.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering insights into the relationship between force and potential energy. Some guidance has been provided regarding the interpretation of potential energy values, but no consensus has been reached on the implications for the specific parts of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a reference to specific parts of a problem (a and b) that are under consideration, indicating that the participants are working within a structured homework context. The relevance of potential energy equations is also noted, suggesting that certain assumptions about the system may be in question.

apathetic_operator
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Homework Statement
see image
Relevant Equations
potential energy
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"The force is zero" means the total force act on the particle is zero? Then there must be an external force. If not, then Fx=0 ?
since Fx = d(U(x))/dx, the answer of (b) should be (i), but how about (a)?
 
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apathetic_operator said:
Homework Statement:: see image
Relevant Equations:: potential energy

View attachment 263194
"The force is zero" means the total force act on the particle is zero? Then there must be an external force. If not, then Fx=0 ?
since Fx = d(U(x))/dx, the answer of (b) should be (i), but how about (a)?
Yes for part b). For part a):

If ##U(x) = 0##, what does that tell you?
 
apathetic_operator said:
how about (a)?
Can you construct counterexamples to any of the options?
 
apathetic_operator said:
"The force is zero" means the total force act on the particle is zero?

It means the value of ##F_x## is zero.

since Fx = d(U(x))/dx,

... you should be able to answer the question you asked.
 

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