A cube balanced with one edge in contact with a table top and with its center of gravity directly above the edge is in ________ equilibrium with respect to rotation about the edge and in ________ equilibrium with respect to rotation about a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the edge.
A)stable, stable
B)stable, unstable
C)unstable, stable
D)unstable, unstable
E)unstable, neutral

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cube is in unstable equilibrium with respect to rotation about the edge because any small disturbance will cause it to tip over. It is in stable equilibrium with respect to rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the edge because the center of gravity is at the lowest point relative to this axis.

A Cube Balanced with One Edge in Contact with a Table