Question

How do you distinguish between stable and unstable equilibrium?

Answer 1

Stable Equilibrium:

• The body tries to come back to equilibrium if slightly disturbed and released.
• The center of mass of the body shifts slightly higher if disturbed from equilibrium.
• The potential energy of the body is minimum and it increases if disturbed.

Unstable Equilibrium:

• The body cannot come back to equilibrium if slightly disturbed and released.
• The center of mass of the body shifts slightly lower if disturbed from equilibrium.
• The potential energy of the body is not minimum and it decreases if disturbed.