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The potential energy of a conservative f...

The potential energy of a conservative force field is given by
`U=ax^(2)-bx`
where, a and b are positive constants. Find the equilibrium position and discuss whether the equilibrium is stable, unstable or neutral.

Text Solution

Verified by Experts

The correct Answer is:
A, B

In a conservative field
`F = -(dU)/(dx)`
`:. F=-d/dx(ax^2-bx)=b-2ax`
For equilibrinm `F=0`
or `b - 2 ax = 0 :. x=b/2_(a)`
From the given equation we can see that `(d^(2)U)/(dx^(2))=2a` (positive), i.e. U is minimum.
Therefore, `x=b/2a` is the stabele equilibrium position.
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