AIPMT PRELIMS2012Physics-Mechanics
AIPMT PRELIMS 2012 Physics Potential Energy MCQ Question
Type: MCQ-conceptual-Medium-Class 11
The potential energy of a particle in a force field is: U = A/r² - B/r, where A and B are positive constants and r is the distance of particle from the centre of the field. For stable equilibrium the distance of the particle is
A
B/A
B
B/2A
C
2A/B
D
A/B
Correct Answer
Option C
Detailed Explanation
For stable equilibrium, the derivative of potential energy with respect to r should be zero and the second derivative should be positive. Solving dU/dr = 0 gives r = B/2A.
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