The given plot shows the variation of U, the potential energy of interation between two particles, with the distance separating them, `r`.
1. B and D are equilibrium points.
2. C is point of stable equilibrium.
3. The force of interaction between the two particles is attractive between points C and B, and repulsive between pionts D and E on the curve.
4. The force of interaction between the particle is repulsive between points C and A.
Which of the above statements are correct?

Options

A. B and D are equilibrium points
B. C is point of unstable equilibrium
C. The force of interaction between the two particles is attractive between points C and D and repulsive between points D and E on the curve.
D. The force of interaction between the particles is repulsive between points E and F on the curve.

Answer

D

Explanation

At point 'C', the potential energy is minimum, hence it is a point of stable equilibrium Also, from E to F, the slope is negative i.e.
`(dU)/(dr) lt 0`
Hence, the force of interaction between the particles is repuslive between points E and F