The potential energy between two atoms in a molecule is given by $U(x) = \frac{a}{x^{12}} - \frac{b}{x^6}$,where $a$ and $b$ are positive constants and $x$ is the distance between the atoms. The atom is in stable equilibrium when:

  • A
    $x = \sqrt[6]{\frac{11a}{5b}}$
  • B
    $x = \sqrt[6]{\frac{a}{2b}}$
  • C
    $x = 0$
  • D
    $x = \sqrt[6]{\frac{2a}{b}}$

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