Question

The potential energy function for a system is given by U(x) = -x3 + 2x2 + 3x.
a) Determine the force Fx as a function of x.
b) For what values of x is the force equal to zero?

Answer 1

Answer:

solved

Explanation:

U(x) = -x3 + 2x2 + 3x.

a) Determine the force Fx as a function of x.

F = dU/dx = -3x² + 4x + 3

b) For what values of x is the force equal to zero?

3x² - 4x - 3 = 0

x² - 4x/3 - 1 = 0

x = 4/6 ±2√13/6 = (2±√13)/3