Equilibrium
Definition
Equilibrium refers to a state of balance or stability in which opposing forces or factors are equal. In physics, it specifically refers to a situation where the net force and net torque acting on an object are both zero.
Analogy
Imagine a seesaw with two equally weighted people sitting on either end. When the seesaw is perfectly level, it is in equilibrium because the downward force from one person is balanced by the upward force from the other person. Similarly, in physics, when all forces and torques cancel each other out, an object is in equilibrium.
Related terms
Static Equilibrium: Static equilibrium occurs when an object is at rest and all forces acting on it are balanced.
Dynamic Equilibrium: Dynamic equilibrium occurs when an object is moving at a constant velocity with no acceleration.
Stable Equilibrium: Stable equilibrium refers to a state where if an object is displaced slightly from its position, it will return back to its original position.
"Equilibrium" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (2)
A beam with a length of 10m has a fulcrum that rests at its midpoint. A cat that is 5m away to the right of the fulcrum has a weight of 50N. If another cat is to be placed with a mass of 6kg how far away from the left end of the beam should it be placed if the beam is to remain in equilibrium afterwards?
A seesaw has a length of 3m. Person A has a mass of 65kg and sits 1.5m to the left of the seesaw's midpoint. If Person B has a mass of 70kg, how far away should they sit from the right of the seesaw's midpoint so that the seesaw remains at equilibrium?
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