- #1
Thermon
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- 0
Homework Statement
A potential energy function for a two-dimensional force is of the form U = 3x3 * y - 7x.
Find the force that acts at the point (x, y).[/B]
Homework Equations
In a 1-dimensional case:
ΔU = -∫Fx dx
dU = -Fx dx
Fx = -dU/dx
The Attempt at a Solution
I know how to find the force in a 1-dimensional case; it's the gradient at the given x.
But I can't wrap my head around it when there are two variables.
Could it perhaps be the sum of the derivatives; Fx = -(dU/dx + dU/dy)?[/B]