Unstable equilibrium

An unstable equilibrium occurs when an object or system is balanced at a point where any small movement causes it to shift away from that position. Imagine a pencil balanced perfectly on its tip—if nudged slightly, it will fall over rather than return to standing upright. This is different from a stable equilibrium, where a slight disturbance causes the system to return to its original position. Unstable equilibria are temporary and require careful positioning; even minor changes tend to lead the system to a new, more stable state.