A potential energy function for a certain system is given by U₁(x) = Cx² + Bx³. The potential energy function for a second system is given by U₂(x) = A + Cx² + Bx³, where A is a positive quantity. How does the force on system 1 relate to the force in system 2 at a given position?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force is the negative gradient of the potential energy function. Since the constant A in U2 does not affect the gradient, the forces in both systems are identical.

A Potential Energy Function for a Certain System Is Given