Question

The potential energy of a conservative system is given by
U = ay² – by, where y represents the position of the particle
and a as well as b are constants. What is the force acting on
the system ?
(a) – ay (b) – by
(c) 2ay – b (d) b – 2ay

Answer 1

Given :-

The potential energy = U = ay² - by

We are required to find the Force acting on the body.

Here, in this case we will just different the given function w.r.t 'y'

F = dU/dy

F = d(ay²-by)/dy

F = 2ay - b

For equilibrium,

F = 2ay - b

0 = 2ay - b

2ay = b

y = b/2a