Forces in Two Dimensions - Mission F2D3 Detailed Help

An object that is at equilibrium is an object upon which all the forces are ____.


 
Definition of Equilibrium:
Equilibrium is the condition in which all the individual forces acting upon an object are balanced.


 
Some students have the improper habit of thinking that an object at equilibrium is an object upon which all forces are equal. After all, the word equilibriumsounds like the word equal. But don't be fooled! Equilibrium has to do with a balance of forces. While it is possible that all the forces might be equal, they don't have to be equal to be balanced. For instance, an object with an up force of 20 N and a down force of 20 N and a right force of 8 N and a left force of 8 N is at equilibrium. Are all the forces balanced? Yes! Are all the forces equal? No! The 20 N is not equal to the 8 N.