The potential energy function for a system of particles is given by u(x) 5 2x3 1 2x2 1 3x, where x is the position of one particle in the system. (a) determine the force fx on the particle as a function of x. (b) for what values of x is the force equal to zero

Explanation:

The potential energy function for a system of particles is given by :

(a) The relation between the force and the potential energy is given by :

(b) Putting the equation of force equals to 0 such that,

On solving the above equation we get the values of x as :

x = -0.448 m

x = 1.115 m

So, at  x = -0.448 m and x = 1.115 m the value of force equal to zero.

Hence, this is the required solution.