(a) Are there any equilibrium positions in the sum-of-forces-versus-distance graph in Figure 15.13? If so, is the equilibrium stable, unstable, or neutral? \((b)\) Compare the magnitude of the restoring force for equal displacements on either side of \(x_{0}\) in Figure 15.13.

Transcribed Image Text:

Figure 15.13 For sufficiently small displacements near a stable equi- librium position, the restoring force is linear in the displacement. 0 1 x+ x+