The potential energy function for a conservative force acting in the x direction on a particle is shown below. The number of points where the net force on the particle is equal to zero are
A) B and D.
B) C and E.
C) B, C, D, and E.
D) A and F.
E) any point between C and D.

Question

The potential energy function for a conservative force acting in the x direction on a particle is shown below. The number of points where the net force on the particle is equal to zero are 
A) B and D. 
B) C and E. 
C) B, C, D, and E. 
D) A and F. 
E) any point between C and D.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The net force acting on a particle is given by the negative gradient of the potential energy function. In this case, the potential energy function has a minimum at point C and a maximum at point D, and zero slope at points B and E. Therefore, the net force is zero at points B, C, D, and E. The net force is not zero at points A and F, as the slope is non-zero at these points. Therefore, the correct choice is C.

The Potential Energy Function for a Conservative Force Acting in the X