Question

The force acting on a body moving along x-axis varies with the position of the particle as shown in the figure. The body is in stable equilibrium at

• A. $x=x_1$
• B. $x=x_2$
• C. both $x_1$ and $x_2$
• D. neither $x_1$ nor $x_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $x=x_2$

If a particle at $x_1$ is displaced slightly towards left or right the force is in the same direction. Hence the equilibrium is unstable whereas at $x_2$ the force is directed opposite to displacement.