The potential energy of a certain particle is given by \(U=10 x^{2}+35 z^{3}\). Find the force vector exerted on the particle.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The force vector exerted on the particle is \(F = \langle -20x, -105z^2 \rangle\).

Step by step solution

01

Calculate the partial derivative of U with respect to x

To find the partial derivative of U with respect to x, we differentiate U with respect to x, treating z as a constant. \[\frac{\partial U}{\partial x} = 20x\]
02

Calculate the partial derivative of U with respect to z

To find the partial derivative of U with respect to z, we differentiate U with respect to z, treating x as a constant. \[\frac{\partial U}{\partial z} = 105z^2\]
03

Represent the partial derivatives as a force vector

We will represent the force vector (F) as \[F = \langle F_x, F_z \rangle\]
04

Calculate the components of the force vector

To calculate the components of the force vector, we apply the negative gradient of the potential energy function. So, we will have \[F_x = -\frac{\partial U}{\partial x} = -20x\] and \[F_z = -\frac{\partial U}{\partial z} = -105z^2\]
05

Write the force vector

Now that we have the components of the force vector, we can write it as: \[F = \langle -20x, -105z^2 \rangle\] Therefore, the force vector exerted on the particle is \(F = \langle -20x, -105z^2 \rangle\).

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