I'd like to create an animation of a particle's scattering from a certain potential.
In 2D it may look like this:
https://www.phy.olemiss.edu/~jgladden...variable_b.png

In other words, I need to find the path of a particle having some initial position and velocity, that is subject to acceleration depending on it's current position and velocity.

I imagine this would require some basic python/mel skills among others... I'm new to programming and animation in Maya (did the bouncing ball tutorial though ) so I'd like some tips on where to get started.

Thanks in advance,
Benny