Conservative Force: Mechanical Energy, f(x) & x Value

In summary, a 1.0 kg particle is acted upon by a conservative force along the x axis, with a potential energy given by u(x)=-4xe^(-x/4) J at x=5.0 m. The mechanical energy of the system is calculated to be -3.73 J. The equation for fx as a function of x is determined to be (4-x)e^(-x/4) and at x=4, fx=0.
  • #1
hauthuong
15
0
a single conservative force f(x) acts on a 1.0 kg particles that move along the x axis. the potential energy u(x) associated with f(x) is given by u(x)=-4xe^(-x/4) J, where x is in meters. at x=5.0 m, the particles has a kinetic energy of 2.0J. a) what is the mechanical energy of the system? determine the equation for fx as a function of xfor what x(finite)value of x does fx=0

Emech=K+U
I plugged x=5 into u(x) = -5.73
therefore Emech=2+(-5.73)=-3.73 J Is it right?
for the second one Fx= - du/dx so I come up with fx= (4-x)e^(-x/4)
and I stuck . COuld you guy give me a hint thank you
 
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  • #2
I'm not sure about the notation, what is the difference between Fx and fx?
About your calculations, they look ok to me. And about the last question, I don't understand your problem. This one is easier than the others, so maybe you can elaborate on what the problem is.
 
  • #3
da_willem said:
I'm not sure about the notation, what is the difference between Fx and fx?
About your calculations, they look ok to me. And about the last question, I don't understand your problem. This one is easier than the others, so maybe you can elaborate on what the problem is.
I am sorry for the typo fx and Fx is the same, for the second part : x=4 so the fx=0?
 
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FAQ: Conservative Force: Mechanical Energy, f(x) & x Value

What is a conservative force?

A conservative force is a type of force that depends only on the initial and final positions of an object, and not on the path taken between them. This means that the work done by a conservative force is independent of the path and only depends on the initial and final positions of the object.

What is mechanical energy?

Mechanical energy is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy. It is a measure of an object's ability to do work and is conserved in a closed system in the absence of non-conservative forces, such as friction or air resistance.

How is a force related to the function f(x)?

The function f(x) is used to describe the relationship between a force and the distance an object moves. It is often used in the context of conservative forces to represent the potential energy of an object.

What is the significance of the x value in conservative forces?

The x value, or position, is an important factor in conservative forces as it determines the potential energy of an object. The potential energy is directly related to the position of an object and can be used to calculate the work done by a conservative force.

How do conservative forces impact the motion of an object?

Conservative forces do not change the total mechanical energy of an object, but they can cause a redistribution of kinetic and potential energy. As the object moves, the conservative force may convert kinetic energy into potential energy and vice versa, resulting in changes in the object's speed and position.

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