Question: Consider an arbitrary power-law central force (mathbf{F}(mathbf{r})=-k r^{n} hat{mathbf{r}}), where (k) and (n) are constants and (r) is the radius in spherical coordinates. Prove that

Consider an arbitrary power-law central force \(\mathbf{F}(\mathbf{r})=-k r^{n} \hat{\mathbf{r}}\), where \(k\) and \(n\) are constants and \(r\) is the radius in spherical coordinates. Prove that such a force is conservative, and find the associated potential energy of a particle subject to this force.

Step by Step Solution

3.41 Rating (151 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Students Have Also Explored These Related Mechanics Questions!