Given a potential energy function U(x), the corresponding force is in the positive x direction if:
A)U is positive
B)U is negative
C)U is an increasing function of x
D)U is a decreasing function of x
E)it is impossible to obtain the direction of from U

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force is related to the potential energy by F = -dU/dx. If U is a decreasing function of x, then dU/dx is negative, making the force positive.

Given a Potential Energy Function U(x), the Corresponding Force Is