Grade 10 Physics · Strand 1: Mechanics and Thermal Physics · Moments and Equilibrium
States of Equilibrium
A short Grade 10 Physics lesson for the CBE curriculum, part of Mechanics and Thermal Physics: Moments and Equilibrium. Learn it on any phone with notes and slides, then check yourself with a quick quiz and earn XP. This lesson is free.
Try these questions
5 questions from this lesson’s quiz. Start the lesson to answer them and see the right answers.
1. A cone standing on its flat base is tilted slightly about an edge and then released. It returns to its original position. What happens to its centre of gravity when it is tilted?
- A. It rises
- B. It lowers
- C. It stays at the same height
- D. It moves outside the body
2. A pen is balanced on its sharp tip and then disturbed slightly. Why does it topple?
- A. Its centre of gravity rises and the weight acts inside the pivot
- B. Its centre of gravity stays at the same height so there is no moment
- C. Its centre of gravity lowers and its weight produces a toppling moment
- D. Its base area is very large
3. A football lies on a flat, level pitch. It is pushed gently and rolls to a new position, where it stays at rest. Which state of equilibrium is this?
- A. Stable equilibrium
- B. Unstable equilibrium
- C. Neutral equilibrium
- D. Static equilibrium of the pitch
4. Which change would make a rectangular wooden block more stable on a table?
- A. Making its base narrower and its centre of gravity higher
- B. Making its base broader and its centre of gravity lower
- C. Making its base narrower and its centre of gravity lower
- D. Making its base broader and its centre of gravity higher
5. Name the turning effect produced by the weight of a tilted body when its line of action falls inside the pivot, pulling the body back to its original position.
Type your answer in the lesson.
More in Moments and Equilibrium
- Revision and Practical Assessment of Thermal Phenomena
- Introduction to Moments and Turning Effects
- The Principle of Moments
- Centre of Gravity of Regular and Irregular Laminae
- Factors Affecting Stability and Structural Design
- Parallel Forces and Multiple Supports
- Torque, Couples and Resolution of Forces
- Practical Applications and System Consolidation
Ready for States of Equilibrium?
Create a free account to open the lesson, take the quiz and track your progress.