Concept explainers
Describe several situations in which an object is not in equilibrium, even though the net force on it is zero.
The different situations in which an object is not in equilibrium even when there is zero net force.
Answer to Problem 1Q
A situation in which an object is not equilibrium even though the net force on it is zero is a meter stick with equal and opposite forces acting at opposite ends and the meter stick rotates about its center.
Explanation of Solution
Equilibrium of a system is defined as the state when neither its internal energy nor its state of motion change with respect to time. The condition for equilibrium is that the system must be experiencing zero acceleration. For the acceleration of the system to be zero, the net external forces as well as the net external torque on the system must be zero.
Even though the net force acting on the system is zero, if the net torque acting on it is non-zero, the system will not be in equilibrium. An example for this is a meter stick with equal and opposite forces acting at both ends. The net force acting on the meter stick is zero but the net torque on it is non-zero since the forces are not co-linear. This will make the meter stick to rotate about its center.
Conclusion:
Thus, the situation in which an object is not equilibrium even though the net force on it is zero is a meter stick with equal and opposite forces acting at opposite ends and the meter stick rotates about its center.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 12 Solutions
EBK PHYSICS FOR SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
College Physics
Physics (5th Edition)
The Cosmic Perspective (8th Edition)
An Introduction to Thermal Physics
University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)
Essential University Physics: Volume 1 (3rd Edition)
- Show that, as stated in the text, a force F exerted on a flexible medium at its center and perpendicular to its length (such as on the tightrope wire in Figure 4.17) gives rise to a tension of magnitude T=F2sin() .arrow_forwardShow that, as explained in the text, a force F exerted on a flexible medium at its center and perpendicular to its length (such as on the tightrope wire in Figure 5.26) gives rise to a tension of magnitude T=F/2sin() .arrow_forwardA horizontal force F is applied to a uniform sphere in direction exact toward the center of the sphere, as shown below. Find the magnitude of this forcee so that the sphere remains in static equilibrium. What is the frictional force of the incline on the sphere?arrow_forward
- A uniform 40.0-kg scaffold of length 60 m is supported by tow light cables below. An 80.0 kg painter stands 1.0 m from the left end of the scaffold, and his painting equipment is 1.5 m from the right end. If the tension in the cable is twice that in the right cable, find the cables and mass of the equipment.arrow_forwardIf there is only one external force (or toe) acting on object. It cannot be on equilibrium.arrow_forwardOne end of a uniform 4.00-m-long rod of weight Fg is supported by a cable at an angle of = 37 with the rod. The other end rests against the wall, where it is held by friction as shown in Figure P12.23. The coefficient of static friction between the wall and the rod is s= 0.500. Determine tile minimum distance x from point A at which an additional object, also with the same weight Fg can be hung without causing the rod to slip at point A.arrow_forward
- A farmer making grape juice fills a glass bottle to the brim and caps it tightly. The juice expands more than the glass when it warms up, in such a way that the volume increases by 0.2% (that is, ΔV/V0 =2×10−3) relative to the space available. Calculate the magnitude of the normal force exerted by the juice per square centimeter if its bulk modulus is 1.8×109 N/m2, assuming the bottle does not break. In view of your answer, do you think the bottle will survive?arrow_forwardA bag of cement whose weight is Fg hangs in equilibrium from threewires as shown. Two of the wires make angles θ1 and θ2 with the horizontal. Assuming the system is in equilibrium, show that the tension in the left-hand wire is T1 = (Fg cos θ2)/(sin (θ1 + θ2))arrow_forwardDetermine the tension force F required to stabilize the 500 lb tension so that the resultant force acts vertically down the supporting column. (Scale: 1” = 250 lb) FGiven = 500 lb, θ = 45° from the x-axis F, α = 30° from the y-axisarrow_forward
- When the structure shown below is supported at point P, it is in equilibrium. Find the magnitude of force F and the force applied at P. The weight of the structure is negligible.arrow_forwardin the FIRST CONDITION OF EQUILIBRIUM USING TENSION PROTRACTORS,why should the center weight be less than the sum of the left and right weights?arrow_forwardBased on the illustration,what must be true of all these force for the body to be in equilibrium?arrow_forward
- Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based TextPhysicsISBN:9781133104261Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage LearningUniversity Physics Volume 1PhysicsISBN:9781938168277Author:William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff SannyPublisher:OpenStax - Rice UniversityCollege PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781938168000Author:Paul Peter Urone, Roger HinrichsPublisher:OpenStax College
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Technology ...PhysicsISBN:9781305116399Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage Learning