Summarizing Stability

Summary

  • A system is said to be in stable equilibrium if, when displaced from equilibrium, it experiences a net force or torque in a direction opposite the direction of the displacement.
  • 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.

Glossary

neutral equilibrium

a state of equilibrium that is independent of a system’s displacements from its original position

stable equilibrium

a system, when displaced, experiences a net force or torque in a direction opposite to the direction of the displacement

unstable equilibrium

a system, when displaced, experiences a net force or torque in the same direction as the displacement from equilibrium

This lesson is part of:

Statics and Torque

View Full Tutorial

Track Your Learning Progress

Sign in to unlock unlimited practice exams, tutorial practice quizzes, personalized weak area practice, AI study assistance with Lexi, and detailed performance analytics.