Question

A particle is placed at the origin and a force $F=kx$ is acting on it (where, $k$ is a positive constant). If $U\left(0\right)=0$, the graph of $U\left(x\right)$ versus $x$ will be (where $U$ is the potential energy function)

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

$U=-\int Fdx=-\int kxdx=-k\frac{x^2}{2}$
This is the equation of parabola symmetric to $U$ axis in negative direction.