Final answer:
To find the y-component of the force on the particle at y = 0.5 m, differentiate the potential energy function with respect to y and evaluate the force function at y = 0.5 m.
Step-by-step explanation:
The y-component of the force on the particle at y = 0.5 m can be determined using the potential energy function given. Since the force on the particle is the derivative of the potential energy with respect to y, we can differentiate the potential energy function with respect to y to find the force function. The y-component of the force can then be evaluated by plugging in the value of y = 0.5 m into the force function.