A single particle is moving in an environment that is characterized by a potential energy graph shown in the figure below. Determine the x-component of the force (magnitude and direction) acting on the particle when it is positioned at (i) x = 3 cm,  (ii) 6 cm, and  (iii) 10 cm along its path.

• A. (i)- 250 N, (ii) 0 N, (iii) 500 N
• B. (i) -250 N, (ii) 0 N, (iii) 50 N
• C. (i) 150 N, (ii) 10 N, (iii) 500 N
• D. (i) 250 N, (ii) 0 N, (iii) 100 N

Answer: (A)