force function

1 definition found

force function - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Potential \Po*ten"tial\, n.
     1. Anything that may be possible; a possibility; potentially.
        --Bacon.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Math.) In the theory of gravitation, or of other forces
        acting in space, a function of the rectangular coordinates
        which determine the position of a point, such that its
        differential coefficients with respect to the coordinates
        are equal to the components of the force at the point
        considered; -- also called potential function, or force  function
        . It is called also Newtonian potential when
        the force is directed to a fixed center and is inversely
        as the square of the distance from the center.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Elec.) The energy of an electrical charge measured by its
        power to do work; hence, the degree of electrification as
        referred to some standard, as that of the earth;
        electro-motive force.
        [1913 Webster]