6.2 Balanced forces

Question 1

What does it mean if an object is in equilibrium?

Answer 1

» It is at rest or moving at constant velocity

Question 2

When is an object in equilibrium?

Answer 2

» Only if the 2 forces which act on a point object are balanced

Question 3

When is the three forces which act on a point object balanced?

Answer 3

» When the resultant of any of the 2 forces is equal and opposite to the third force

Question 4

If an object pushes down on a horizontal surface what are the forces acting on the object?

Answer 4

» The weight, W and the support force S

Question 5

What is a key tip to resolving forces?

Answer 5

» Balance the forces, for example if a support force is going upwards, find the weight using components