What is the acceleration of a particle at x=10 m if the mass of the particle is 0.2 kg ? the  particle is moving along x axis with the potential energy U(x)= 8x^2-2x^4

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Work is given by the product of the force and distance. The work done contributes to an increase in potential energy.

Work = -delta U.

Force* distance = -delta U

Here we have the function of the potential energy given as U(x) = 8*x^2 - 2*x^4.

For an infinitesimally small change in distance

d/dx (Force* distance) = -U'(x)

Force = -U'(x)

U'(x) = 16x - 8x^3

At x = 10,

U'(x) = 16*10 - 8*1000

=> 160 - 8000

=> -7840

=> Force = - (-7840)

=> Force = 7840

So the force at this point is 7840.

Force is the product of the mass and acceleration. We know that the mass is 0.2 kg.

Therefore the acceleration is 7840 / 0.2 = 39200 m/s^2

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