An object moving in the xy-plane is acted on by a conservative force described by the potential-energy function U ( x,y ) = a(1/x^2 + 1/y^2) , where a is a positive constant.

Derive an expression for the force F(vector) expressed in terms of the unit vectors i and j .

Express your answer in terms of the given quantities

Question

An object moving in the xy-plane is acted on by a conservative force described by the potential-energy function U ( x,y ) = a(1/x^2  +  1/y^2) , where a is a positive constant.

Derive an expression for the force F(vector) expressed in terms of the unit vectors i and j .

Express your answer in terms of the given quantities

anonymous · Answer

I know a previous answer said that $$2\alpha((1/x^2)i+(1/y^2)j)$$ but that wasn't correct...

anonymous · Answer

Have you learned about partial derivatives?