The figure below shows the plot of a potential-energy function U versus x . (a)
ID: 1354821 • Letter: T
Question
The figure below shows the plot of a potential-energy function U versus x.
(a) At each point indicated, state whether the x component of the force associated with this function is positive, negative, or zero. (Identify positive, negative and zero with +, , and 0, respectively.)
Point dU/dx Fx
A
B
C
D
E
F
b) At which point does the forcehabe the greatest magnitude? A,B,C,D,E,F
(c) Identify any equilibrium points, and state whether the equilibrium is stable, unstable, or neutral.
A
B
C
D
E
Explanation / Answer
a) relation between force and potential difference
Fx=-dU/dx
A) dU/dx>0
Fx<0;so function is negative
B)dU/dx=0;so Fx=0 function becomes zero
C)dU/dx<0; so Fx>0
the function becomes positive
D)dU/dx=0;so Fx=0 the function becomes zero
E)dU/dx>0;so Fx<0 the function becomes negative
F)dU/dx negative or zero
its not clear wether at that point graph moves down are remains constant.
if it remains constant dU/dx=0; but if it goes down ,dU/dx<0,so Fx>0
b)
greatest magnitude of the force occurs where slope is greatest:C
c)B is unstable euilibirium
D is stable euilibirium
F is neutral euilibrium