Related Formula
The force vector F$\vec{F}$ is related to the potential energy U$U$ by the negative gradient of potential energy:
F = - ∇ U = -( (∂ U)/(∂ x) i + (∂ U)/(∂ y) j + (∂ U)/(∂ z) k )$$\vec{F} = -\vec{\nabla} U = -\left( \frac{\partial U}{\partial x}\hat{i} + \frac{\partial U}{\partial y}\hat{j} + \frac{\partial U}{\partial z}\hat{k} \right)$$
Hence, the x-component of force is:
Fₓ = -(∂ U)/(∂ x)$$F_x = -\frac{\partial U}{\partial x}$$
Core Logic
Given the potential energy function:
U = 2x² + 3y³ + 2z$$U = 2x^2 + 3y^3 + 2z$$
Taking the partial derivative with respect to x$x$ (treating y$y$ and z$z$ as constants):
(∂ U)/(∂ x) = (∂)/(∂ x)(2x²) = 4x$$\frac{\partial U}{\partial x} = \frac{\partial}{\partial x}(2x^2) = 4x$$
Step 1: Substitute Coordinates
The x-component of the force is:
Fₓ = -4x$F_x = -4x$
At point P(1, 2, 3) ~m$P(1, 2, 3) \mathrm{~m}$, we substitute x = 1$x = 1$:
Fₓ = -4(1) = -4 ~N$$F_x = -4(1) = -4 \mathrm{~N}$$
Magnitude of the x-component of force is:
|Fₓ| = 4 ~N$$|F_x| = 4 \mathrm{~N}$$
Pattern Recognition
When asked for a specific component (like x-component), only differentiate partially with respect to that specific variable. The remaining coordinates (y, z$y, z$) act purely as constants and vanish.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Physics: Work, Energy and Power