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Learning Introductory Physics with Activities

Section 8.10 Force and Potential Energy

Subsubsection Key Ideas

Definition 8.10.2. 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*}

Activity 8.10.1. Practice Diagram.

Below is a potential energy diagram for some system.
A graph of U vs. x that starts near 4 J, decreases to 1 J at x = 4 m and then rises to around 6 J.
Figure 8.10.3. A potential energy diagram.

(a)

What property of the graph can you use to identify the force that this particle experiences? Explain your reasoning.

(b)

At what position(s) is the force on the particle zero?