Physics Department, Shiv Nadar University (PHY101-2015)

Tutorial-8

1. The potential energy of a particle is () = 3 + 2 2 + 3. Find equilibrium

points and determine if they are stable or unstable. Also show the equilibrium
points by plotting U(x).
2. A particle of mass m is constrained to move along the positive x-axis under the
influence of a single force whose potential energy function is
U(x)=a x2exp(-x2/b2)
where a, b are positive constants. (a) Find the equilibrium point(s). (b) For each
stable equilibrium, calculate the frequency of small oscillations.
3. A block of mass M slides down a plane of angle . Find the speed of the block

after it has descended through height h, assuming that it starts from rest. The
coefficient of friction varies as 20 s (0 is a constant), where s is measured along
the incline, with s=0 taken at the initial position of the block.

4. A rod of length L has a non-uniform density. The mass per unit length of the rod,

, varies as = 0(x/L), where 0 is a constant and x is the distance from the end
marked 0. Find the center of mass.

5. Uniform Triangular Plate. Consider the two-dimensional case of a uniform right

triangular plate of mass M, base b, height h, and small thickness t.