Objects in equilibrium have balanced forces acting on them from "summary" of Fundamentals of Physics, Volume 1 (Chapters 1 - 20) by David Halliday,Robert Resnick,Jearl Walker
When an object is in equilibrium, it means that the net force acting on it is zero. In other words, the forces acting on the object are balanced, canceling each other out. This concept is crucial in understanding the behavior of objects at rest or moving at a constant velocity. Forces can be categorized as either contact forces or long-range forces. Contact forces, such as tension in a rope or the normal force exerted by a surface, act on an object through direct contact. Long-range forces, such as gravity or electromagnetic forces, act on objects without the need for direct contact. In the case of an object at rest, the forces acting on it must be balanced to maintain equilibrium. For example, if an object is placed on a horizontal surface, the force of gravity pulling it downward must be balanced by the normal force exerted by the surface pushing upward. Similarly, if an object is suspended by a rope, the tension in the rope must be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the force of gravity acting on the object. This balance of forces ensures that the object remains in equilibrium. In the context of objects in motion, equilibrium can also refer to objects moving at a constant velocity. In this case, the net force acting on the object is still zero, leading to a state of dynamic equilibrium. This means that the object continues to move with a constant velocity in the absence of any external forces. Understanding the concept of balanced forces in equilibrium is essential for analyzing the behavior of objects in various situations. By recognizing the balance of forces acting on an object, one can predict its motion or determine the conditions necessary to maintain its equilibrium.
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