At a point x = x₀ in a one-dimensional potential, dU/dx = 0. Which statements may be true?
Select all that apply

Question

At a point x = x₀ in a one-dimensional potential, dU/dx = 0. Which statements may be true?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

F = −dU/dx, so force is zero and the point is an equilibrium. The nature depends on higher derivatives: it may be stable, unstable or neutral. Thus both stable and unstable are possible.