As a particle moves along the x axis it is acted by a conservative force. The potential energy is shown below as a function of the coordinate x of the particle. Rank the labeled regions according to the magnitude of the force, least to greatest.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnitude of the force acting on the particle is given by the negative gradient of the potential energy function. In region AB, the potential energy is constant, and hence the magnitude of the force is zero. In region BC, the potential energy is increasing, and hence the magnitude of the force is increasing. In region CD, the potential energy is decreasing, and hence the magnitude of the force is decreasing. Therefore, the correct ranking of the magnitude of the force, least to greatest, is BC, AB, CD. Hence, the correct choice is D.

As a Particle Moves Along the X Axis It Is