Why Does Steepness in a Potential Energy Graph Indicate Greater Force?

[yomama]

A plot of a graph describes the potential energy of a particle, due to the force exerted on it by another particle, as a function of distance. At which three regions (Q), (W), (T) would the magnitude of force on the particle be the greatest? and why?

[T]

(T) is suppose to be located the most (=) on the x axis

-(0)----------------[Q]---------------------------…


[W]

The answer Is (W)
Why?

I answered (T) because I thought it had the greatest magnitude and being the farthest (+) value on both the y and x axis

 

[rcgldr]

If the force is repulsive, as in like charges, then potential decreases with distance, and W would have the highest potential. If the force is attractive, as in gravity or opposing charges, potential increases with distance, and T would have the highest potential.

The problem statement doesn't specify if the force is repulsive or attractive, so it really can't be asnwered as worded.