A potential energy function is given by U(x)= ( 3.00 N/m)x - ( 1.00 N/m³)x³.At what position or positions is the force equal to zero? A) m and - m B)0.00 m, m and - m C)1.00 m and -1.00 m D)3.00 m and -3.00 m E)The force is not zero at any location.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find where the force is equal to zero, we need to take the derivative of the potential energy function and set it equal to zero: F(x) = -dU/dx = -3.00 N/m + 1.00 N/m³x³ 0 = -3.00 N/m + 1.00 N/m³x³ 3.00 N/m = 1.00 N/m³x³ x = 3.00 m / 1.00 N/m³ = 3.00 m x = -3.00 m / 1.00 N/m³ = -3.00 m So the force is equal to zero at x = 1.00 m and x = -1.00 m. Therefore, the answer is choice C.

A Potential Energy Function Is Given by U(x)= ( 3