Stable vs. Unstable Equilibrium

Explanations 2

• An object in stable equilibrium will return to its original position when shifted a small amount from its equilibrium position. For example, we have this pendulum: When we move …

  By Qingyue Wu

• Whether a system is in stable or unstable equilibrium can be determined with the second derivative of the function describing the system's potential energy-U. At the critical po…

  By Ling Qin