Stable and unstable equilibrium

If a body in stable equilibrium is displaced then released, it returns to equilibrium position. For example, if an object such as a coat hanger hanging from a support is displaced slightly, it swings back to its equilibrium position.

The reason an object in stable equilibrium returns to equilibrium when it is displaced and then released is because the centre of mass of the object is directly below the point of support when the object is at rest. The weight of the object is considered tp act as its centre of mass. Thus the…