Question

The potential energy of a 1.7 x 10-3 kg particle is described by U (x )space equals space minus (17 space J )space cos open square brackets fraction numerator x over denominator 0.35 space straight m end fraction close square brackets. What is the angular frequency of small oscillations around the point x = 0?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Given a particle of mass

M = 1.7 × 10^-3 kg

Given a potential as a function of x

U(x) = -17 J Cos[x/0.35 m]

U(x) = -17 Cos(x/0.35)

Angular frequency at x = 0

Let find the force at x = 0

F = dU/dx

F = -17 × -Sin(x/0.35) / 0.35

F = 48.57 Sin(x/0.35)

At x = 0

Sin(0) =0

Then,

F = 0 N

So, from hooke's law

F = -kx

Then,

0 = -kx

This shows that k = 0

Then, angular frequency can be calculated using

ω = √(k/m)

So, since k = 0 at x = 0

Then,

ω = √0/m

ω = √0

ω = 0 rad/s

So, the angular frequency is 0 rad/s