Real-life Examples:
- Pendulum at Rest:
- Description: A pendulum at rest, hanging straight down, is an example of stable equilibrium. If the bob is displaced slightly, it will swing back and forth until it comes to rest at the equilibrium position.
- Observation: The restoring force is provided by gravity and the tension in the string, both acting to bring the pendulum back to its hanging position.
- Upright Book on a Shelf:
- Description: A book placed upright on a shelf is in stable equilibrium. If the book is slightly tilted, it tends to return to its original vertical position.
- Observation: Gravity acts as the restoring force, pulling the book downward and keeping it in the stable equilibrium position.
- Inverted Pendulum on a Cart:
- Description: An inverted pendulum, such as a pole mounted on a cart, can be in stable equilibrium if controlled properly. If the pole is slightly tilted, a system of feedback control can adjust the cart's position to bring the pole back to the upright position.
- Observation: The system actively maintains stability by applying corrective forces to counteract any deviations.