A particle moves along the -axis under a force given by

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Work Energy and Power · Work Energy and Power

Problem

A particle moves along the

x

-axis under a force given by

F_x = -4x^{3}\,\text{N}

, where

x

is in meters. Which of the following potential-energy functions

U(x)

(up to an arbitrary additive constant

C

) is consistent with this force? (a)

U(x)=4x^{4}+C

(b)

U(x)=x^{4}+C

(c)

U(x)=-x^{4}+C

(d)

U(x)=x^{2}+C