Question

The potential energy of a particle is given by \(U(x)=20+(x-2)^2\), where \(U\) is in joules and \(x\) is in meters. The minimum potential energy and the position where it occurs are

• A. \(20\ \text{J at }x=2\)
• B. \(2\ \text{J at }x=20\ \text{m}\)
• C. \(22\ \text{J at }x=2\ \text{m}\)
• D. \(0\ \text{J at }x=2\ \text{m}\)

Hint:

For expressions like \(a+(x-b)^2\), the minimum value is \(a\), occurring at \(x=b\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A