The potential energy function for a system is given by U(x) = x3 % 2x2 % 3x.

Question:

The potential energy function for a system is given by U(x) = ─x3 % 2x2 % 3x. (a) Determine the force Fx as a function of x. (b) For what values of x is the force equal to zero? (c) Plot U(x) versus x and Fx versus x, and indicate points of stable and unstable equilibrium.