Why is a book resting on a table in a state of equilibrium?
The book and the table both have acceleration (due to gravity) of 9.8 m/s/s.
The book’s weight and the upward force the table exerts on the book have equal magnitude but opposing directions.
Gravity is a net force acting on the book in a downward direction
The book and the table have the same weight.
The book is in a state of equilibrium because the forces acting on it are balanced.
The weight of the book is a downward force due to gravity. At the same time, the table exerts an equal and opposite upward force on the book, known as the normal force. These two forces have equal magnitudes but act in opposite directions, resulting in a net force of zero. Therefore, the book remains stationary on the table.
Additionally, since the book and the table have the same weight, they experience the same gravitational force. This means that the force exerted by the table is enough to counteract the weight of the book, resulting in equilibrium.
A book resting on a table is in a state of equilibrium because the forces acting on it are balanced. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
1. The book and the table both experience the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s/s towards the ground.
2. The weight of the book is the force exerted by gravity, pulling it downwards. This force points towards the center of the Earth.
3. On the other hand, the table exerts an upward force on the book, counteracting the force of gravity. This force is called the normal force.
4. The normal force exerted by the table on the book has the same magnitude as the weight of the book but acts in the opposite direction. These forces cancel each other out, resulting in a net force of zero.
5. Since the net force on the book is zero, the book remains still and balanced on the table, in a state of equilibrium.
In summary, the equal and opposite forces of gravity acting on the book and the upward force exerted by the table create a balanced system, allowing the book to rest without any movement.
A book resting on a table is in a state of equilibrium because the forces acting on it are balanced. Let's break it down:
1. Weight of the book: The book experiences a downward force called its weight. This force is due to gravity and is equal to the mass of the book multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). The weight acts vertically downwards.
2. Upward force from the table: The table exerts an upward force on the book, commonly referred to as the normal force. This force is exerted perpendicular to the surface of the table and opposes the weight of the book. The normal force has the same magnitude as the weight but acts in the opposite direction.
When the book is at rest and not moving, it is in a state of equilibrium. This means that all the forces acting on the book cancel each other out, resulting in a net force of zero. In this case, the weight of the book is balanced by the upward force exerted by the table.
It's important to note that equilibrium can only be maintained when the forces acting on an object are balanced. If any additional force is applied, such as pushing or pulling the book, the equilibrium will be disrupted, and the book will start to move.