Static Equilibrium

Static Equilibrium is the physical state in which all components of a system are at rest and the net force is equal to zero throughout the system. When a system is in static equilibrium, it means that all the components of the system are not accelerating as a result of the net force equaling zero. An example of a system in static equilibrium is a game of tug of war.

This system of forces is considered to be in static equilibrium because the force that is being applied by the first man is equal to the opposite force being applied by the second man. Therefore, the sum of the forces, or the net force of the system, equals zero. Since the forces are balanced, it also means that there will not be any acceleration of the rope in either direction.

In addition, another characteristic of a system of forces that is in static equilibrium is that the system also has zero torque. Torque is a measure of the turning force on an object. Torque can be thought of as a twist to an object. An example of a system of forces that seems like it should be in static equilibrium is this diagram because te forces are balanced. However, there is torque in the system, which will cause the system to rotate.