2007-11-15 08:38:51 · 3 answers · asked by pickneyjc 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
If an object is not in dynamic equilibrium, i.e. the net force is nonzero, than the object would be accelerating and therefore in motion. For an object to remain motionless it would have to be in equilibrium.
2007-11-15 08:53:55 · answer #1 · answered by jeffrcal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Equilibrium simply means balanced. Check out this definition:
"e·qui·lib·ri·um (kw-lbr-m, kw-) KEY
NOUN:
pl. e·qui·lib·ri·ums or e·qui·lib·ri·a (-r-) KEY
A condition in which all acting influences are canceled by others, resulting in a stable, balanced, or unchanging system.
Mental or emotional balance; poise.
Physics The state of a body or physical system at rest or in unaccelerated motion in which the resultant of all forces acting on it is zero and the sum of all torques about any axis is zero.
Chemistry The state of a chemical reaction in which its forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates so that the concentration of the reactants and products does not change with time." [See source.]
Two people on a teeter totter are in equiblibrium if they are perfectly balanced so the teeter totter board remains horizontal with the ground. An airplane flying a constant speed and fixed altitude is in equilibrium with the force of gravity and the thrust of its engines. And, up and down, that aircraft is motionless; its motion is only along the horizontal.
A chemical reaction is in equilibrium when changes in one direction are exactly offset by changes in the opposite direction. For example, buffering is the term used when we keep acidity at a fixed level through a chemical reaction that is in equilibrium.
2007-11-15 08:57:32 · answer #2 · answered by oldprof 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as in..the net force = zero??
isn't if it's motionless it is in equilibrium?
2007-11-15 08:45:58 · answer #3 · answered by wohhhoo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋