Stable vs Unstable Systems

Stable vs Unstable Systems

Key Terms

• Equilibrium = a state of balance

• stable systems will be able to maintain a state of equilibrium after they have been disturbed

• Example: a swing in motion will stop moving after being disturbed and this is its state of equilibrium

Unstable systems

• do not maintain a state of equilibrium after a disturbance

• Example: too many people swing from the swing and causes the swing to break so the swing can not be used anymore after the disturbance

Center of mass

• all of the mass of an object to be concentrated at a single point

• The position of the center of mass of a system affects its stability. 

Multiple Choice

This cupboard is filled with boxes. Will it topple over ?

• It will.

• It will not.

• It will if the weight remains inside the base.

Multiple Choice

What is the center of mass ?

• It is a single point at which the object can balance.

• The mass is distributed equally around it.

• All of the above.

Multiple Choice

Where is the center of mass of this image?

• at 20 mark

• at 42.5 mark

• at 50 mark

• at 100 mark