The potential energy of a particle in a force field is U = Ar2 - Br where A and B are positive constants and r is the distance of particle from the centre of the field. For stable equilibrium, the distance of the particle is
- B2A
- 2AB
- AB
- BA
Answer
(2) 2AB
Solution
At equilibrium, F = - dUdr = 0
- 2Ar3 + Br2 = 0 r = 2AB
d2Udr2 = 6Ar4 - 2Br3 = 2r3 ( 3Ar - B )
At r = 2AB: 3Ar - B = 3B2 - B = B2 > 0
U is minimum stable equilibrium at r = 2AB
Answer: (2)