Question

The given plot shows the variation of U, the potential energy of interaction between two particles with the distance separating them r.

1. B and D are equilibrium points
2. C is a point of stable equilibrium
3. The force of interaction between the two particles is attractive between points C and D and repulsive between D and E
4. The force of interaction between particles is repulsive between points E and F.

The correct statements are:

• A. 1 and 2
• B. 1 and 4
• C. 2 and 4
• D. 2 and 3

Answer 1

The correct option is C 2 and 4

In stable equilibrium, PE is minimum
$F=-\frac{dU}{dr}=$ - slope of U-r graph and negative force means attraction and positive force means repulsion.