A book is resting on a table in a state of equilibrium. Which statement is true about the forces acting on the book?
The net force acting on the book is zero.
In a state of equilibrium, the forces acting on the book are balanced. This means that the net force on the book is zero.
When a book is resting on a table in a state of equilibrium, there are two main forces acting on it: the gravitational force and the normal force.
1. Gravitational Force: The Earth exerts a downward force on the book due to gravity. This force pulls the book downward towards the center of the Earth. The magnitude of this force depends on the mass of the book (weight) and the acceleration due to gravity.
2. Normal Force: The table exerts an equal and opposite force on the book. This force is known as the normal force and acts perpendicular to the surface of the table. It prevents the book from sinking into the table and ensures that it remains in contact with the surface.
In a state of equilibrium, the book is at rest and not moving. This means that the net force acting on the book is zero. Therefore, the gravitational force and the normal force must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
So, in answer to your question, the statement "The gravitational force is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the normal force" is true about the forces acting on the book.