Potential energy (V) versus distance (x) is given by the graph. Rank various regions as per the magnitudes of the force (F) acting on a particle from high to low. [figure]
- FBC > FAB > FDE > FCD
- FBC > FCD > FDE > FAB
- FCD > FAB > FBC > FDE
- FCD > FDE > FAB > FBC
Answer
(1) FBC > FAB > FDE > FCD
Solution
For a conservative force, F = - dVdx, so the magnitude of the force equals the magnitude of the slope of the V–x graph.
From the graph: A(0, 0), B(1, 1), C(2, 4), D(4, 4), E(6, 3).
AB: |FAB| = 1 - 01 - 0 = 1
BC: |FBC| = 4 - 12 - 1 = 3
CD: |FCD| = 0 (horizontal line)
DE: |FDE| = | 3 - 46 - 4 | = 0.5
FBC > FAB > FDE > FCD
Answer: (1)