Answer to Question #198248 in Calculus for Philip

Question

Consider the motion of a particle in one

dimension (x-axis) under the simultaneous influence of two forces. One force repels the particle from the location x=1, while the second one attracts the particle towards the location x = -1. In both cases, the force is inversely proportional to the distance from x = 1 and x = -1 respectively, but the proportionality constants may be different. Describe the trajectory of the particle over time, for different values of the two proportionality constants. Does the motion of the particle change qualitatively as you vary the proportionality constants?

• Define variables that capture the important components of the situation.

• Set up equations to describe the desired relationship between the variables you have defined.

• Describe how to solve the equations you set up.

• Interpret the solutions you obtained in the context of the original situation.