- #1
interxavier
- 18
- 0
Homework Statement
A particle can only move along the x axis. Forces act on it so that its potential energy function is U(x) = 1/2*k1*x^2 + 1/4*k2*x^4 where k1 and k2 are positive. The particle is started at x = a with zero velocity.
a.) Where is the velocity a maximum? What is its magnitude?
b.) Where else will the velocity be zero?
c.) What is the force on the particle as a function of x?
Homework Equations
F = d/dx -U(x)
W = -U(x2) + U(x1)
The Attempt at a Solution
It's asking for the point where the velocity is maximum so the acceleration has to equal zero or not exist. The function exists at all x-values so we need to find the acceleration as a function of x.
since F = d/dx -U(x), F = -(k1*x + k2*x^3)
F = ma
ma = -(k1*x + k2*x^3)
a = -1/m*(k1*x + k2*x^3)
When a = 0
0 = -1/m*(k1*x + k2*x^3)
-k1*x = k2*x^3
x^2 = -k1/k2
x = sqrt(-k1/k2)
I'm completely lost at this point. Thanks for the help!