Question

The negative of the distance rate of change of potential energy is equal to:

• A. force acting on the particle in the direction of displacement
• B. acceleration of the particle, perpendicular to displacement
• C. power
• D. impulse

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

force acting on the particle in the direction of displacement

Change in potential difference at different points in space, that is presence of a potential gradient, applies a force on the body given by $F=-\frac{dU}{dx}$

where $\frac{dU}{dx}$ is the distance rate of change of potential energy.

Thus negative of distance rate of change of potential energy is equal to force acting on the particle in the direction of displacement.