Y=y(x) of a particle on the xy plane experience F=-kr

Animastryfe
Messages
80
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Assume a particle of mass m which is free to move on the plane x-y. The particle is
experiencing a force F = −kr towards the origin. Find the equation y = y(x) that
describes the motion of this particle on the plane.


Homework Equations



F = ma = -kr

r(t) = A_{1}cos(wt) i + A_{2}cos(wt) j
The 'i' and 'j' above should be unit vectors in the x and y direction, respectively.

The Attempt at a Solution



I think I'm supposed to use the r(t) formula above to isolate x, then substitute it back into the equation to get y?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You have two second-order differential equations, one for the motion in the x plane, and another for the motion in the y plane. you are missing two initial value constants.
 
Thank you for the reply. I figured it out shortly after.
 
Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'
This figure is from "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths (3rd edition). It is available to download. It is from page 142. I am hoping the usual people on this site will give me a hand understanding what is going on in the figure. After the equation (4.50) it says "It is customary to introduce the principal quantum number, ##n##, which simply orders the allowed energies, starting with 1 for the ground state. (see the figure)" I still don't understand the figure :( Here is...
Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'
The last problem I posted on QM made it into advanced homework help, that is why I am putting it here. I am sorry for any hassle imposed on the moderators by myself. Part (a) is quite easy. We get $$\sigma_1 = 2\lambda, \mathbf{v}_1 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_2 = \lambda, \mathbf{v}_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_3 = -\lambda, \mathbf{v}_3 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ -1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} $$ There are two ways...
Back
Top