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Section 4.14 Force and Potential Energy
Definition 4.14.1. Force and Potential Energy.
Potential energy and the corresponding conservative force are related (in one dimension, \(x\)) by
\begin{equation*}
\vec{F} = -\frac{dU}{dx}\hat{x}
\end{equation*}
Exercises Activity: Practice Diagram
Below is a potential energy diagram for some system.
Figure 4.14.2. A potential energy diagram.1.
What property of the graph can you use to identify the force that this particle experiences? Explain your reasoning.
2.
At what position(s) is the force on the particle zero?
