Why is a book resting on a table in a state of equilibrium?
Gravity is a net force acting on the book in a downward direction.
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.
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 downward force of gravity on the book is balanced by the upward force exerted by the table. This balance of forces prevents the book from accelerating or moving. As long as the forces remain balanced, the book will remain in a state of equilibrium on the table.
When a book is resting on a table, it is in a state of equilibrium because the forces acting on it are balanced. The force of gravity, which pulls the book downward, is countered by the upward force exerted by the table.
Gravity is a net force acting on the book in a downward direction. This is because every object with mass experiences a gravitational force towards the center of the Earth.
Both the book and the table experience an acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 meters per second squared. However, this acceleration does not cause any movement because the book is at rest on the table.
The weight of the book, which is a measure of the force of gravity acting on it, is equal to the upward force exerted by the table. These forces have equal magnitudes but opposite directions, resulting in a balanced force system.
Since the book and the table have opposing but equal forces, they cancel each other out, leading to a state of equilibrium. Therefore, the book remains still on the table without any apparent movement.
A book resting on a table is in a state of equilibrium because the forces acting on it are balanced. There are a few key factors that contribute to this equilibrium.
Firstly, gravity is the main force acting on the book, pulling it downward towards the Earth's center. The force of gravity is a net force acting on the book in a downward direction.
Secondly, both the book and the table experience the same acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s². This means that the book and the table are subject to the same force of gravity and will accelerate at the same rate.
Thirdly, the table exerts an upward force on the book known as the normal force. The normal force arises due to the interactions between the book and the table's surface. In order for the normal force to balance out the force of gravity, it must have the same magnitude but an opposite direction.
Lastly, the weight of the book, which is the force of gravity acting on the book, is equal to the magnitude of the normal force that the table exerts on the book. This concept is encapsulated by Newton's third law of motion, which states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. In this case, the action is the force of gravity pulling the book down, and the reaction is the normal force pushing the book up.
In summary, a book resting on a table is in a state of equilibrium because the force of gravity pulling it down is balanced by the upward force exerted by the table. By understanding the concept of equilibrium and the forces involved, we can explain why the book remains in a stable position.