For a simple one dimensional example of the relationship between force and potential energy, assume that the potential energy of a particle is given by the equation
The realtionship between force and potential energy is
![]() |
(1) |
For our 1D example, where the potential energy is dependent only on the position,
Taking the derivative yields
Therefore, the force on the particle is governed by the equation
![]() |
(2) |
If we further assume that the constant C is so much larger than x, the force will simplify. Rearraning to get
Because ,
, we get
Further simplifying
gives the force under this assumption
![]() |
(3) |
As of this snapshot date, this entry was owned by bloftin.