Equilibrium

Question 1

What must happen for an object to remain in equilibrium?

Answer 1

When the forces and moments acting are balanced

Question 2

What will the objects acceleration be if it is in equilibrium?

Answer 2

zero acceleration

Question 3

How would you solve equilibrium problems for forces?

Answer 3

1) Resolve forces along two perpendicular directions (often vertical and horizontal)
2) For each direction equate total forces acting in opposite directions

Question 4

How would you solve equilibrium problems for moments?

Answer 4

1) Select a suitable pivot

2) Use the principle of moments to equate clockwise and anticlockwise moments