Talha's Physics Academy
Turning Effect of Forces - Three States of Equilibrium
Q.12 Define three states of equilibrium with example
s.
States of Equilibrium
There are three states of equilibrium:
- Stable Equilibrium
- Unstable Equilibrium
- Neutral Equilibrium
Figure: Comparison of stable, unstable, and neutral equilibrium states.
1. Stable Equilibrium
"A body is in stable equilibrium if, when slightly displaced and then released, it returns to its previous position."
Example: A book lying flat on a table. If you tilt the book slightly about one of its edges and release it, it falls back to its original flat position.
A body is in stable equilibrium when:
- Its centre of gravity is at its lowest possible position.
- When it is tilted, its centre of gravity rises temporarily.
- It returns back to its stable state by lowering its centre of gravity.
2. Unstable Equilibrium
"A body is said to be in unstable equilibrium when, if slightly tilted, it does not return to its previous position but instead topples further away."
Example: Take a pencil and try to balance it vertically on its sharp tip (vertex). Upon release, it immediately topples down.
A body is in unstable equilibrium when:
- Its centre of gravity is at its highest position relative to its base.
- When it is tilted, its centre of gravity is lowered.
- Its previous position cannot be restored on release.
3. Neutral Equilibrium
"A body is said to be in neutral equilibrium when, if displaced from its previous position, it remains in equilibrium in its new position."
Example: A ball or sphere placed on a horizontal flat surface. When rolled or displaced, it comes to rest in a new position while remaining perfectly in equilibrium.
A body is said to be in neutral equilibrium when:
- Its centre of gravity always remains at the same height above the point of contact.
- When it is displaced, its centre of gravity neither rises nor falls.
- All new positions in which the body is moved are also stable states of equilibrium.
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