Chapter 5, Problem 1CQ

An object is subject to two forces that do not point in opposite directions. Is it possible to choose their magnitudes so that the object is in equilibrium? Explain.

To determine

To find: Whether the object is in equilibrium or not.

Answer to Problem 1CQ

The object is not in equilibrium.

Explanation of Solution

Given data:

An object is subjected to two forces that do not point in opposite directions. It is required to find whether the object is in equilibrium condition or not.

Formula used:

Write the expression for an equilibrium condition of the forces on the object as follows:

${\displaystyle \sum F}=0$ (1)

Here,

${\displaystyle \sum F}$ is the sum of the forces acting on any object.

Explanation:

From Equation (1), if the sum of the forces acting on the object is zero, then the object will be in equilibrium condition.

If the two forces are equal in magnitude and opposite to each other, then the two forces cancel out and the net force becomes zero.

From the given data, the two forces are not in the opposite directions. Therefore, the two forces do not cancel each other out and the net force will be available on the object. Thus, the object is not in the equilibrium condition.

Conclusion:

Thus, the object is not in equilibrium.