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A classic physical illustration of an unstable equilibrium is a ball resting on a hilltop. This position is an equilibrium because, if perfectly placed, there is no net force to move it. However, the equilibrium is unstable because if the ball is displaced by a shock, gravity acts as an amplifying force, pushing the ball further down the slope and away from its original position.

Physical Illustration of an Unstable Equilibrium: Ball on a Hill

Imagine a ball is perfectly balanced at the very top of a smooth, rounded hill. If this ball is given a very small nudge to the side, which statement best analyzes the forces at play and the nature of its initial position?

A ball is placed at the exact peak of a perfectly symmetrical hill. Explain why this situation is considered an 'equilibrium' but also why it is 'unstable'. In your explanation, describe the key force that acts on the ball if it is slightly displaced.

Analyzing Equilibrium on a Hilltop

A ball resting at the very peak of a hill is considered to be in an unstable equilibrium. This is because if the ball is slightly displaced, a restoring force will act upon it, pushing it back to its original position at the peak.

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