A small ball of mass m subjected to the gravitational force is in equilibrium on a rigid bowl whose wall is defined by a function y = -x3 + x (Fig. P5.3). Determine the equilibrium position of the ball. If we displace the mass by a distance leftward from the equilibrium position and release it, the mass will oscillate in the well. It is assumed that the kinetic energy due to the rotation of the ball and the friction and damping forces are negligible. Determine the initial displacement to confine the ball within the well.
