Rankers Physics

Potential Energy & Equilibrium: Practice Problem & Solution

Potential energy of a particle at position x is given by U = x² – 5x. Which of the following is equilibrium position of the particle?
x = 0
x = 2.5 m
x = 5 m
x = 7.5 m

Short Solution (Best for NEET):

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Potential Energy & Equilibrium. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

For Equilibrium,

dU/dx = 0

⇒ d(x²-5x)/dx=0

⇒ 2x-5 = 0

⇒ x =2.5 m

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