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A system is in unstable equilibrium if, when displaced from equilibrium, it experiences a net force or torque in the same direction as the displacement from equilibrium. A system is in neutral equilibrium if its equilibrium is independent of displacements from its original position.
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Neutral equilibrium describes a state where an object remains in equilibrium regardless of its displacement. This means that any displacement neither results in a restoring force or torque nor leads to further displacement. Examples: A common example is a ball resting on a flat, level surface.
State the types of equilibrium. Describe stable and unstable equilibriums. Describe neutral equilibrium. It is one thing to have a system in equilibrium; it is quite another for it to be stable. The toy doll perched on the man’s hand in Figure 1, for example, is not in stable equilibrium.
A system is in neutral equilibrium if its equilibrium is independent of displacements from its original position. A marble on a flat horizontal surface is an example. Combinations of these situations are possible.
The state is neutral to the lowest order and nearly remains in equilibrium if displaced a small amount. To investigate the precise stability of the system, higher order derivatives can be examined.
Neutral Equilibrium is where the Potential Energy of the object remains constant regardless of position. For example, a ball rolling on a level surface.
Placing the ball on the flat portion of the track (at left) shows neutral equilibrium. Placing the ball in the trough shows stable equilibrium. Placing the ball on the crest of the track (at right) shows unstable equilibrium.
