Question

A particle moves along the x-axis with the potential energy shown in the picture. What is the x-component of the force when the particle is located at x = 4 m?

A) Positive
B) Negative
C) Zero
D) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

Without a specific potential energy function or diagram, we cannot determine the x-component of the force on a particle at x = 4m; hence, the answer is 'Cannot be determined'.

Step-by-step explanation:

The x-component of the force on a particle moving along the x-axis can be determined by taking the negative gradient of the potential energy. In the question provided, there's no specific formula for potential energy U(x) provided, so we must rely on general principles to answer the question. When a particle is located at a point where the potential energy is changing, the force on the particle is non-zero and its direction is opposite to the direction in which U(x) increases.

If the potential energy is not changing (i.e., the curve on the potential energy diagram is flat), the force is zero. Without the functional form of U(x) at the specific position x = 4m or a diagram, we cannot determine if the potential energy is increasing, decreasing, or constant. Therefore, the correct answer is D) Cannot be determined given the details presently available.