A particle is placed at the origin and a force $F = kx$ is acting on it (where $k$ is positive constant). If $U(0) = 0$, the graph of $U(x)$ versus $x$ will be (where $U$ is the potential energy function)

Question

Dr. Abubacker · Accepted Answer

(a) $U = - \int_{}^{}{Fdx} = - \int_{}^{}{kx\ dx} = - k\frac{x^{2}}{2}$
This is the equation of parabola symmetric to $U$ axis in negative direction

Q. A particle is placed at the origin and a force $F = kx$ is acting on it (where $k$ is positive constant). If $U(0) = 0$, the graph of $U(x)$ versus $x$ will be (where $U$ is the potential energy function)

Explanation

Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

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