Types of Equilibrium

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Stable, unstable and neutral equilibria

A cone sitting on its base is in a state of stable equilibrium because the downward force of the cone's weight, acting through the centre of gravity is balanced by the reaction force of the ground, which is equal in size, opposite in direction and perfectly aligned to the weight. If the cone is pushed aside, the cone's weight still acts through its centre of gravity, but the reaction force is no longer aligned with it but acts at the point of contact between the cone's edge and the ground. These two opposing and misaligned forces create a couple which produces torque tending to twist the cone and can be perceived as the cone "pushing back"