Breakaway points occur:

• A. Between two zeros
• B. Between two poles
• C. On the imaginary axis
• D. At infinity

Answer: (B)

Breakaway points are essential in control theory and the analysis of feedback systems. They occur in the context of root locus analysis, which examines how the locations of the poles of a system change with varying system gain. Breakaway points specifically occur on the real axis between two poles, where the root locus branches can split or merge.

At these points, the derivative of the characteristic equation equals zero, indicating that the system is at a point of maximum or minimum gain. This leads to the system's response being affected significantly, making it crucial for understanding stability and system behavior. The breakaway point marks a transition in the behavior of the system as it moves from one region of stability to another.

Thus, the statement that breakaway points occur between two poles accurately describes the behavior of the system in the context of root locus analysis. This understanding is critical for engineers and practitioners in designing stable control systems.