States of Equilibrium

Q. State and Explain States/Types of Equilibrium :-

Ans:
There are three states/types of equilibrium.

1. Stable Equilibrium
2. Unstable Equilibrium
3. Neutral Equilibrium

Stable Equilibrium:

If a body is in state of rest or returns to its original state of rest upon slight disturbances then it is said to be in the state of Static equilibrium. Suppose a book lying on a table is lifted from one corner and then allowed to fall then it returns back to the same position of rest in which it was before being lifted.

Unstable Equilibrium:

If a body does not return in its original state of equilibrium and move away from the point of equilibrium then that body is said to be in the state of Unstable Equilibrium. Suppose a boy is standing still suddenly some one pushes him and the boy forcefully displaces and do not return to the place where he was standing then the boy is in state of Unstable Equilibrium.

Neutral Equilibrium:

In neutral equilibrium a body when displaced changes its place but does not change its state. For example a ball is placed on the surface of a table, if the ball is rolled its center of gravity is not changed not the ball changes its place. It continues to roll on the same spot thus the ball is in the state of Neutral Equilibrium.