Question

[10] The potential energy of an object is given by U(x) = 1.2 x 10^-18 (x^-12 - x^-6), where U is in Joules and x is in nanometers. (a) Determine the force acting on this object. (b) At what positions is this object in equilibrium? (c) Which of these equilibrium positions are stable and which are unstable?

          [10] The potential energy of an object is given by U(x) = 1.2 x 10^-18 (x^-12 - x^-6), where U is in Joules and x is in nanometers.
(a) Determine the force acting on this object.
(b) At what positions is this object in equilibrium?
(c) Which of these equilibrium positions are stable and which are unstable?

[10] The potential energy of an object is given by U(x) = 1.2 x 10^-18 (x^-12 - x^-6), where U is in Joules and x is in nanometers.
(a) Determine the force acting on this object.
(b) At what positions is this object in equilibrium?
(c) Which of these equilibrium positions are stable and which are unstable?

Added by Anthony T.

University Physics with Modern Physics

Hugh D. Young 14th Edition

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Adi S

07/11/2022

Step 1

Step 1: Calculate the force acting on the object by taking the derivative of the potential energy function U(x) with respect to x. Show more…

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The potential energy of an object is given by U(x) = 1.2 x 10^-18 (x^-12 - x^-6), where U is in Joules and x is in nanometers. (a) Determine the force acting on this object. (b) At what positions is this object in equilibrium? (c) Which of these equilibrium positions are stable and which are unstable?