Question

The negative of the space 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

The correct option is A

force acting on the particle in the direction of displacement

1. Change in the potential difference at various points in space, that is the availability of the potential gradient,
2. This change applies a force on the body, $F=-\frac{dU}{dx}$, where $\frac{dU}{dx}$​ is the distance rate of change of potential energy.
3. Thus, the negative of the space rate of change of potential energy is equal to the force acting on the particle in the direction of displacement.

Hence, option (a) is correct.