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Question

What is the difference between stable,unstable and neutral equilibrium? what is equilibrium?

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Solution

Equilibrium: If an object is said to be in a state of equilibrium, then all the forces which act upon the object are balanced. It is defined as the state of rest due to the equal action of the opposing forces.

Stable equilibrium: When a particle is displaced slightly from a position, then a force acting on it brings it back to the initial position, it is said to be in stable equilibrium position. Example: A marble placed at the bottom of a hemispherical bowl.

Unstable equilibrium: When a particle is displaced slightly from a position, then a force acting on it tries to displace the particle further away from the equilibrium position, it is said to be in unstable equilibrium. Example: A marble balanced on top of a hemispherical bowl.

Neutral equilibrium: When a particle is slightly displaced from a position then it does not experience any force acting on it and continues to be in equilibrium in the displaced position, it is said to be in neutral equilibrium. Example: A marble placed on a horizontal table.


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