A particle moves along the x-axis while acted on by a single conservative force parallel to the x-axis. The force corresponds to the potential-energy function graphed in Fig. P7.86. The particle is released from rest at point A.

(a) What is the direction of the force on the particle when it is at point A?

(b) At point B?

(c) At what value of x is the kinetic energy of the particle a maximum?

(d) What is the force on the particle when it is at point C?

(e) What is the largest value of x reached by the particle during its motion?

(f) What value or values of x correspond to points of stable equilibrium?

(g) Of unstable equilibrium?

Figure P7.86: 

Transcribed Image Text:

U (J) 4.0 2.0 Ix (m) 1.5 20 2.5 0,5 -2.0