Question

The force acting on a body moving along asis varies with position of particle as shown in figurethe body in stable equilibrium at

Answer 1

When particle moves away from origin then at position x = x1,

Force is zero

And at x > x1, force is positive (repulsive in nature)

So particle moves further and doesn't return to the original position i.e. the equilibrium is not stable.

Similarly at x = x2, force is zero,

And at x > x2, force is negative (attractive in nature),

so particle return back to the original position hence equilibrium is stable.