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A system is in stable equilibrium when a displacement produces a force or torque directed:
AOpposite the displacement
BAlong the displacement
CAt right angles to it
DNowhere in particular
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Opposite the displacement
1. Stability is judged by which way the system is pushed after a nudge.
2. A system is said to be in stable equilibrium under one condition.
3. When displaced from equilibrium, it experiences a net force or torque.
4. That force or torque acts in a direction opposite to the direction of the displacement.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics for AP Courses 2e (CC BY 4.0), Ch 9 'Statics and Torque', sections 9.1-9.5_
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