CONDITIONS OF

EQUILIBRIUM
KEY TERMS
force: A physical quantity that denotes ability to push,
pull, twist or accelerate a body which is measured in a
unit dimensioned in mass × distance/time² (ML/T²):
SI: newton (N); CGS: dyne (dyn)
torque: A rotational or twisting effect of a force; (SI
unit newton-meter or Nm; imperial unit foot-pound or
ft-lb)
translation: Motion of a body on a linear path, without
deformation or rotation, i.e. such that every part of
the body moves at the same speed and in the same
direction; also (in physics), the linear motion of a body
considered independently of its rotation.
equilibrium: The state of a body at rest or in uniform
motion, the resultant of all forces on which is zero.
FIRST CONDITION OF EQUILIBRIUM
The first condition of equilibrium is that the net
force in all directions must be zero.

For an object to be in equilibrium, it must be

experiencing no acceleration. This means that
both the net force and the net torque on the
object must be zero. Here we will discuss the first
condition, that of zero net force.
In the form of an equation, this first condition is:
Fnet=0.
In order to achieve this conditon, the forces acting
along each axis of motion must sum to zero. For
example, the net external forces along the
typical x– and y-axes are zero. This is written as
Fx=0 and Fy=0.
The condition Fnet=0 must be true for both static
equilibrium, where the object’s velocity is zero,
and dynamic equilibrium, where the object is
moving at a constant velocity.
NOTE:
 There are two conditions that must be met for an
object to be in equilibrium.
 The first condition is that the net force on the
object must be zero for the object to be in
equilibrium.
 If net force is zero, then net force along any
direction is zero.
SECOND CONDITION OF EQUILIBRIUM
The second condition of static equilibrium says that
the net torque acting on the object must be zero.

If a given object is in static equilibrium, both net

force and net torque must be zero.
Net Force Must Be Zero
 The net force acting on the object must be zero.
Therefore all forces balance in each direction. For
example, a car moving along a highway at a constant
speed is in equilibrium, as it is not accelerating in any
forward or vertical direction. Mathematically, this is
stated as Fnet = ma = 0.
Net Torque Must Be Zero
 The second condition necessary to achieve equilibrium
involves avoiding accelerated rotation (maintaining a
constant angular velocity ). A rotating body or system
can be in equilibrium if its rate of rotation is constant
and remains unchanged by the forces acting on it.
NOTE:
 The second condition necessary to achieve
equilibrium involves avoiding accelerated
rotation.
 A rotating body or system can be in equilibrium if
its rate of rotation is constant and remains
unchanged by the forces acting on it.
 The magnitude of torque about a axis of rotation
is defined to be τ=rFsinθ where τ (the Greek
letter tau) is the symbol for torque, r is the
distance from the pivot point to the point where
the force is applied, F is the magnitude of the
force, and θ is the angle between the force and
the vector directed from the point of application
to the pivot point.
CONCEPT OF TORQUE
Torques is defined as the force that is responsible
for the rotational motion of the body, body
rotation around the axis of rotation. We use
torque in our day to day lives. When we rotate
the key around the lock, that is torque. When we
turn the doorknob, we apply torque. When we
open the door and it swings on its hinges, that is
torque. The SI unit of torque is Newton-meter
(Nm).
MATHEMATICAL FORMULA
 MATHEMATICAL FORMULA –
 In linear movement, only mass and acceleration are
involved to determine the force on the body. In rotational
movement one more things add up. That is the distance
from the fixed point or center point. Imagine when you try
to push the door that is tied to a hinge. If you try to push
the door near the hinge point, force to be applied is greater.
If you try to push the door farther from the hinge point,
comparatively less force needs to be applied.
 T = F * r * sin q
 Where T is the torque, F is the linear force, r is the distance
between axis of rotation to the point where linear force is
applied and q is the angle between F and r. While
measuring q we also need to be careful about direction of
linear force applied with respect to axis of rotation. In one
direction its positive, in other direction its negative.
ROTATIONAL EQUILIBRIUM
 This law states that the summation of all the
torques acting on a body at any instance is
always zero. All the torques that apply to object,
cancel each other and the net torque acting on
body is Zero. In this case body does not move.
 A 25N force is applied to a bar that can pivot around
its end as shown below.

The force is r = 0.75m away from the end and at an

angle θ=30°. What is the torque on the bar?
 A 5.0N force is applied to a bar that can pivot
around its center as shown below. The force is
perpendicular to the bar and is r = 0.40m away
from the center.