Balance is the key to everything that exists in the Universe. Without a consistent order, the Universe becomes an erratic space of uncertainty. Every phenomenon that happens relies on some sort of balance and order. Equilibrium is the term that is used to describe this aspect of physical entities and phenomena.
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What is Equilibrium?
In classical physics, the state of a body when neither its internal energy state nor the state of motion tends to vary with time. A basic mechanical system is considered to be in the state of equilibrium if it encounters neither angular acceleration nor linear acceleration. It continues in that particular state forever until an external force disrupts it.
For one body, equilibrium emerges if the vector sum of every force exerting upon the body is null. A compact body is considered to be in an equilibrium state if the vector sum of every torque exerting on the body equals zero so that its state of rotational movement stays constant. An equilibrium is considered to be steady if enough similar amounts of forces are generated to counter the forces that are meant to disturb the natural state of the body. There are quite a few applications of equilibrium examples, like a ball bearing steadying on the edge of a ballpoint pen.
Static equilibrium is a type of equilibrium that is exclusively in classical mechanics. It is a crucial concept in the design of many rigid and compact structures, from roofs of buildings to gigantic suspension platforms. This is mainly because these systems must stay in static equilibrium under every predicted loading state.
What is Static Equilibrium?
Static equilibrium points to any body where the sum of the exerting torques and forces on every part of the body happens to be null.
Basically, it is a body’s equilibrium whose parts are in a state of rest. The essential condition for static equilibrium is that a body is not encountering any form of movement (rotational or translational). A body in translational equilibrium is not moving from one point to another. A body in rotational equilibrium is not spinning around a point. Translational equilibrium needs the sum of every outside force to be zero. The directions and magnitudes of outside forces balance each other out. Torque is a quantity that exerts on the rotational movement of a body.
Static equilibrium is a useful analysis tool in classical mechanics. If two forces are exerted on a body that is in the state of static equilibrium, then the total sum of forces is always zero. If the magnitude and direction of one of the forces are available, an equation can be derived to find the direction and magnitude of the unknown force.
The video gives an insight into the basic concepts of equilibrium
Static Equilibrium Examples
A stationary body is in static equilibrium, which is a special case of conventional equilibrium. A metal block on a bench is a static equilibrium example. Other cases of static equilibrium include a tower of Jenga blocks, rock balance sculptures, etc. As long as the components of these systems do not collapse, they are in a state of static equilibrium. Bodies in motion can be in an equilibrium state. A person sliding down an inclined surface at constant velocity could be in equilibrium but in the state of static equilibrium (relative to the slide or the Earth). The other familiar examples of static equilibrium are: a person standing still on a cliff, a pen resting on a table and a bus parked in a parking area.
Difference between Static and Dynamic Equilibrium
The fundamental variations between dynamic and static equilibrium are given below.
- In most cases, static equilibrium is irreversible. Dynamic equilibrium is reversible in nature.
- There is no further chemical reaction in the system that is in static equilibrium. Dynamic equilibrium means that the products and reactants are still involved in physical reactions.
- In static equilibrium, the backward and forward reaction rates are null. In dynamic equilibrium, the backward and forward reaction rates are most probably equal.
- Static equilibrium can exist in both closed and open systems. Dynamic equilibrium can only exist in closed bodies or systems.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is meant by equilibrium?
In classical physics, the state of a body when neither its internal energy state nor the state of motion tends to vary with time. A basic mechanical system is considered to be in the state of equilibrium if it encounters neither angular acceleration nor linear acceleration. It continues in that particular state forever until an external force disrupts it.
For one body, equilibrium emerges if the vector sum of every force exerting upon the body is null. A compact body is considered to be in an equilibrium state if the vector sum of every torque exerting on the body equals zero so that its state of rotational movement stays constant. An equilibrium is considered to be steady if enough similar amounts of forces are generated to counter the forces that are meant to disturb the natural state of the body.
What is meant by static equilibrium?
Static equilibrium points to any body where the sum of the exerting torques and forces on every part of the body happens to be null.
Basically, it is a body’s equilibrium whose parts are in a state of rest. The essential condition for static equilibrium is that a body is not encountering any form of movement (rotational or translational). A body in translational equilibrium is not moving from one point to another. A body in rotational equilibrium is not spinning around a point. Translational equilibrium needs the sum of every outside force to be zero. The directions and magnitudes of outside forces balance each other out. Torque is a quantity that exerts on the rotational movement of a body.
Why is static equilibrium considered a valuable analysis tool?
Static equilibrium is a useful analysis tool in classical mechanics. If two forces are exerted on a body that is in the state of static equilibrium, then the total sum of forces is always zero. If the magnitude and direction of one of the forces are available, an equation can be derived to find the direction and magnitude of the unknown force.
Write a few examples of static equilibrium.
A stationary object is in static equilibrium, which is a unique case of conventional equilibrium. An iron box on a bench is an example of static equilibrium. Other instances of static equilibrium include a tower of Jenga blocks, rock balance sculptures, etc. As long as the components of systems do not disintegrate, they are in static equilibrium.
What is the main difference between static and dynamic equilibrium?
In most scenarios, static equilibrium is irreversible. Dynamic equilibrium is reversible in nature.
There is no further chemical reaction in the system that is in static equilibrium. Dynamic equilibrium means that the products and reactants are still involved in physical reactions.
In static equilibrium, the backward and forward reaction rates are null. In dynamic equilibrium, the backward and forward reaction rates are most probably equal.
Static equilibrium can exist in both closed and open systems. Dynamic equilibrium can only exist in closed bodies or systems.
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