Which of the following best describes unstable equilibrium?

Source: JAMB · 2024

Which of the following best describes unstable equilibrium?

  1. A ball rolling in a bowl.
  2. A ball resting at the bottom of a bowl.
  3. A ball balanced at the top of a hill. ✓
  4. A ball hanging from a string.
Explanation

In unstable equilibrium, a small push moves the body away from its position, and it does not come back. Its centre of gravity falls as it moves.

A ball balanced at the top of a hill is like this. A slight nudge makes it roll down, and it never returns to the top.

A ball resting at the bottom of a bowl is in stable equilibrium. If you push it, it rolls back to the bottom.

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