2. The potential energy function associated with a force acting on a system is U = 3x3 – 5x. a) What is the equation for force for this system? b) Draw a graph of the potential energy. Indicate the points of equilibrium and note whether they are stable, unstable or neutral.

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Chapter8: Conservation Of Energy
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**Problem 2: Analysis of Potential Energy and Force**

The potential energy function associated with a force acting on a system is given by:

\[ U = 3x^3 - 5x. \]

**Questions:**

a) What is the equation for the force for this system?

b) Draw a graph of the potential energy. Indicate the points of equilibrium and note whether they are stable, unstable, or neutral.

**Solutions:**

a) **Equation for Force:**

To find the force exerted by the system, we use the relation between force and potential energy:

\[ F(x) = -\frac{dU}{dx}. \]

Calculate the derivative of the potential energy function:

\[ U = 3x^3 - 5x, \]

\[ \frac{dU}{dx} = 9x^2 - 5. \]

Hence, the force is:

\[ F(x) = -(9x^2 - 5) = -9x^2 + 5. \]

b) **Graph of Potential Energy:**

To analyze the points of equilibrium, we find where the derivative of \( U \) (or equivalently, where \( F(x) = 0 \)) is zero. This gives equilibrium points:

\[ 9x^2 - 5 = 0, \]

\[ 9x^2 = 5, \]

\[ x^2 = \frac{5}{9}, \]

\[ x = \pm\frac{\sqrt{5}}{3}. \]

To determine the stability of these points, evaluate the second derivative:

\[ \frac{d^2U}{dx^2} = 18x. \]

- At \( x = \frac{\sqrt{5}}{3} \), \( \frac{d^2U}{dx^2} = 18\left(\frac{\sqrt{5}}{3}\right) > 0 \). This indicates a local minimum: **Stable Equilibrium.**

- At \( x = -\frac{\sqrt{5}}{3} \), \( \frac{d^2U}{dx^2} = 18\left(-\frac{\sqrt{5}}{3}\right) < 0 \). This indicates a local maximum: **Unstable Equilibrium.**

**Diagram Explanation:**

- Plot the curve of \( U = 3x
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem 2: Analysis of Potential Energy and Force** The potential energy function associated with a force acting on a system is given by: \[ U = 3x^3 - 5x. \] **Questions:** a) What is the equation for the force for this system? b) Draw a graph of the potential energy. Indicate the points of equilibrium and note whether they are stable, unstable, or neutral. **Solutions:** a) **Equation for Force:** To find the force exerted by the system, we use the relation between force and potential energy: \[ F(x) = -\frac{dU}{dx}. \] Calculate the derivative of the potential energy function: \[ U = 3x^3 - 5x, \] \[ \frac{dU}{dx} = 9x^2 - 5. \] Hence, the force is: \[ F(x) = -(9x^2 - 5) = -9x^2 + 5. \] b) **Graph of Potential Energy:** To analyze the points of equilibrium, we find where the derivative of \( U \) (or equivalently, where \( F(x) = 0 \)) is zero. This gives equilibrium points: \[ 9x^2 - 5 = 0, \] \[ 9x^2 = 5, \] \[ x^2 = \frac{5}{9}, \] \[ x = \pm\frac{\sqrt{5}}{3}. \] To determine the stability of these points, evaluate the second derivative: \[ \frac{d^2U}{dx^2} = 18x. \] - At \( x = \frac{\sqrt{5}}{3} \), \( \frac{d^2U}{dx^2} = 18\left(\frac{\sqrt{5}}{3}\right) > 0 \). This indicates a local minimum: **Stable Equilibrium.** - At \( x = -\frac{\sqrt{5}}{3} \), \( \frac{d^2U}{dx^2} = 18\left(-\frac{\sqrt{5}}{3}\right) < 0 \). This indicates a local maximum: **Unstable Equilibrium.** **Diagram Explanation:** - Plot the curve of \( U = 3x
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