The potential energy of a system of two particles is given by U(x) = a/x 2 – b/x. Find the minimum potential energy of the system, where x is the distance of separation and a, b are positive constants.
A
B
C
D
– 
Text Solution
Verified by ExpertsThe correct answer is:
A
U(x) = a/x 2 – b/x, a > 0, b > 0
dU/dx = 
+ 
= 0
= x
d 2 U/dx 2 = 
– 
= 
– 
> 0
U is min. at x = 
& min. value of U is
U min. = 
– 
= – 
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