Understanding Equilibrium: Definition, Examples, and More

Equilibrium is a state in which the forces acting on an object are balanced by the forces opposing them. In other words, when the net force on an object is zero, it is in equilibrium. This means that the object is not moving or changing its position, and there is no tendency for it to do so.

For example, consider a book sitting on a table. The weight of the book is pulling it down towards the ground, but the normal force of the table is pushing up on the book, keeping it in place. In this case, the forces acting on the book are balanced, and the book is in equilibrium.

Equilibrium can also be described as a state of "no net change". This means that the object is not undergoing any changes in its motion or position, and there is no tendency for it to do so. For example, a car parked on a level surface is in equilibrium because there is no net force acting on it, and it is not moving or changing its position.

It's important to note that equilibrium does not necessarily mean that the object is stationary or at rest. An object can be in equilibrium while still moving, as long as the forces acting on it are balanced. For example, a spinning top is in equilibrium because the forces of gravity and the normal force of the ground are balanced by the torque from the spinning motion.