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\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{fb9e4e4a-953b-4e52-858e-438b4009e79c-3_428_595_221_806} A uniform rod \(A B\), of mass \(m\) and length \(2 a\), is free to rotate in a vertical plane about a fixed horizontal axis through \(A\). A light elastic string has natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(m g\); one end is attached to \(B\) and the other end is attached to a light ring \(R\) which can slide along a smooth vertical wire. The wire is in the same vertical plane as \(A B\), and is at a distance \(a\) from \(A\). The rod \(A B\) makes an angle \(\theta\) with the upward vertical, where \(0 < \theta < \frac { 1 } { 2 } \pi\) (see diagram).

1. Give a reason why the string \(R B\) is always horizontal.
2. By considering potential energy, find the value of \(\theta\) for which the system is in equilibrium.
3. Determine whether this position of equilibrium is stable or unstable.