According to the textbook Statistical Physics of Particles by Kardar it is said:

"In the presence of an external force J, we must minimize the "enthalpy" H = U - Jx, which amounts to tilting the potential."

So how can a "tilted" parabola be plotted? I mean, the regular one is x^2. What other term is necessary to right branch differ from the left one?

Question

According to the textbook Statistical Physics of Particles by Kardar it is said: 

"In the presence of an external force J, we must minimize the "enthalpy" H = U - Jx, which amounts to tilting the potential."

So how can a "tilted" parabola be plotted? I mean, the regular one is x^2. What other term is necessary to right branch differ from the left one?

irishboy123 · Answer

.

anonymous · Answer

@IrishBoy123 What do you mean?

irishboy123 · Answer

the . just means i'm watching the thread.

i do have an opinion on the tilting of a parabola but i think its often best to wait and see if someone else has something more to say about the actual science.

anonymous · Answer

@IrishBoy123 Can you share your idea? It might be useful to discuss it while/if somebody adds some additional clarification.