STATES OF EQUILIBRIUM

STATES OF EQUILIBRIUM 

There are three states of equilibrium. 
They are the following. 

STABLE EQUILIBRIUM 

Definition 
A body is said to be in stable equilibrium if it returns to its original position when tilted a little. 
                                                                                               OR 
The centre of gravity of a body rises with a jerk is called stable equilibrium. 
Examples 
• Book on a table. 
• Chair on flat ground. 
• Table on a floor. 
• A standing car on a smooth road. 

UNSTABLE EQUILIBRIUM 

Definition
 A body is said to be in unstable equilibrium if it moves further away from its original position when tilted a little. 
                                                                                               OR 
The C.G of a body lowered with a slight move the equilibrium of that body is called unstable equilibrium. 
Examples 
• A stick standing vertically on the tip of a figure. 
• A standing pencil on the table. 
• An acrobat walking on a rope. 

NEUTRAL EQUILIBRIUM 

Definition 

A body is said to be in neutral equilibrium if it neither returns to its former position nor moves further away when tilted a little. 

                                                                                                OR 

The equilibrium of that body is called neutral equilibrium whose C.G is neither raised nor lowered on disturbing.

Examples 

• Horizontally lying cylinder and funnel. 

• Lying a ball on the floor. 

CENTRE OF GRAVITY  

Definition 

It is the point at which the entire weight of the body is said to be situated. 

                                                                                                 OR 

The point on a body at which the whole weight of the body appears to act. It may be on the body or out side the body in case of a hollow object.