Question

The force acting on a body moving along x-axis varies with the position of the particle shown in 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 $x=x_2$

Force ,$F=-\frac{dU}{dx}$
at $x=x_1,x=x_2,\frac{dU}{dx}=0$
for stable equilibrium,$\frac{dF}{dx}<0$
here at $x=x_2,\frac{dF}{dx}<0$
So the body is in stable equilibrium at $x=x_2$