Two Types of Mechanical Equilibrium
There are two kinds of mechanical equilibrium:
Any object which is in static equilibrium has zero net force acting on it and is at rest. In other words, any object in static equilibrium is not moving and will not start moving unless an external force is exerted upon it. Any object which is in dynamic equilibrium has zero net force acting on it and is moving at a constant velocity. In other words, any object in dynamic equilibrium is moving at a constant speed in a straight line and will not change speed or direction unless acted upon by an outside force.
- static equilibrium and
- dynamic equilibrium.
Any object which is in static equilibrium has zero net force acting on it and is at rest. In other words, any object in static equilibrium is not moving and will not start moving unless an external force is exerted upon it. Any object which is in dynamic equilibrium has zero net force acting on it and is moving at a constant velocity. In other words, any object in dynamic equilibrium is moving at a constant speed in a straight line and will not change speed or direction unless acted upon by an outside force.
Mechanical Equilibrium: Yes or No? Self-Quiz
Scroll to the top of the page and read before attempting the quiz.
- Is a kitty which is resting on a ledge in mechanical equilibrium? If you answered yes, in which kind of equilibrium is the cat: static or dynamic?
- Yes. The kitty is in static equilibrium.
- Yes. The kitty is in dynamic equilibrium.
- No.
- Is a kitty in free-fall in mechanical equilibrium? If you answered yes, in which kind of equilibrium is the cat: static or dynamic?
- Yes. The kitty is in static equilibrium.
- Yes. The kitty is in dynamic equilibrium.
- No.
- Is a parachutist who is drifting downwards in a straight line at a constant speed in mechanical equilibrium? If you answered yes, in which kind of equilibrium is the parachutist: static or dynamic?
- Yes. The parachutist is in static equilibrium.
- Yes. The parachutist is in dynamic equilibrium.
- No.
- Is zero net force acting on a kitty which is at rest on a ledge?
- Yes.
- No.
- Is the net force acting on a kitty in free-fall equal to zero?
- Yes.
- No.
- Is zero net force acting on a parachutist who is drifting downwards in a straight line at a constant speed?
- Yes.
- No.