Neutral equilibrium

Definition

Neutral equilibrium occurs when an object's center of mass remains at the same height when displaced slightly, resulting in no net force to return it to its original position or to move it further away.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In neutral equilibrium, any small displacement does not change the object's potential energy.
2. Examples of neutral equilibrium include a ball on a flat surface and a cylindrical object lying on its side.
3. Neutral equilibrium is one of three types of equilibrium, the others being stable and unstable equilibrium.
4. An object in neutral equilibrium will remain in its new position after being displaced, rather than returning to its original position or moving further away.
5. The condition for neutral equilibrium is that the center of gravity remains at the same height regardless of displacement.

Review Questions

• What happens to the potential energy of an object in neutral equilibrium when it is slightly displaced?
• Can you provide an example of an object in neutral equilibrium?
• How does the center of gravity behave for an object in neutral equilibrium when it is displaced?

Related terms

Stable Equilibrium: Occurs when an object returns to its original position after being slightly displaced, typically because its center of mass rises with displacement.

Unstable Equilibrium:

Occurs when an object moves further from its original position after being slightly displaced, typically because its center of mass lowers with displacement.

$$\text{Center of Mass}$$: $$\text{The point where the total mass of a system can be considered to be concentrated for translational motion calculations.}$$