Potential energy (V) versus distance (x) is given by the graph, Rank various regions as per the magnitudes of the force (F) acting on a particle from high to low.

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

For a one-dimensional conservative force, F = - dV ─── dx. Therefore, the magnitude of force in any region is equal to the magnitude of the slope of the V versus x graph in that region. From the graph: • Region BC has the steepest slope, so |F₍ʙᴄ₎| is the greatest. • Region AB has the next larger slope, so |F₍ᴀʙ₎| is next. • Region DE has a smaller slope, so |F₍ᴅᴇ₎| is smaller. • Region CD is horizontal, so its slope is zero and |F₍ᴄᴅ₎| is the smallest. Hence, F₍ʙᴄ₎ > F₍ᴀʙ₎ > F₍ᴅᴇ₎ > F…