Chapter 9, Problem 10Q

Figure 9-38 shows a cone. Explain how to lay it on a flat table so that it is in (a) stable equilibrium, (b) unstable equilibrium, (c) neutral equilibrium.

To determine

(a) To Determine:

Explain how to lay it on a flat table so that it is in: stable equilibrium

Answer to Problem 10Q

Solution:

Place the base of the cone on the surface of the table and it will remain in stable equilibrium.

Explanation of Solution

An object that is in stable equilibrium returns to its initial position. In our case place the base of the cone on the surface of the table as shown in figure 1, then apply a force pushing on the top of the cone, then stop pushing and observe that the cone returns to its initial state of equilibrium.

Figure 1

To determine

(b) To Determine:

Explain how to lay it on a flat table so that it is in: unstable equilibrium

Answer to Problem 10Q

Solution:

Place the tip of the cone on the surface of the table and will be in unstable equilibrium.

Explanation of Solution

An object that is in unstable equilibrium does not return to its initial position. In this part place the tip of the cone on the surface of the table as shown in figure 2, then release the cone and observe that it does not return to its initial state.

Figure 2

To determine

(c) To Determine:

Explain how to lay it on a flat table so that it is in: neutral equilibrium

Answer to Problem 10Q

Solution:

Place the lateral part of the cone on the surface of the table and this will remain in neutral equilibrium

Explanation of Solution

An object that is in neutral equilibrium reaches another position different from the one it had at the beginning and remains there. In this part, place the side of the cone on the surface of the table as shown in figure 3, then push the cone with your finger and you will notice that it immediately changes position and remains at that new point.

Figure 3