The given plot shows the variation of U, the potential energy of interaction between two particles, with the distance separating them r.

1. B and D are equilibrium points.
2. C is a point of stable equilibrium.
3. The force of interaction between the two particles is attractive between points C and B, and repulsive between points D and E on the curve.
4. The force of interaction between the particles is repulsive between points C and A.
Which of the above statements are correct?

• A

  1 and 3

• B

  1 and 4

• C

  2 and 4

• D

  2 and 3