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Equilibrium Vs. Static Equilibrium

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When all the forces acting on an object are balanced, or equal to zero, that object is said to be in equilibrium. In the formula ΣF = ma, the net force, ΣF, and the acceleration, a, are equal to zero when an object is in equilibrium. Newton’s first law, also known as the law of inertia, is associated with equilibrium. It states that when there is no net force acting on an object, then if it is at rest, it will stay at rest, and if it is motion it will remain in motion. Equilibrium is divided into two types: dynamic and static. Dynamic is where an object is in motion at a constant, unchanging speed, whereas static is an object that stays at rest. Although not entirely the same, dynamic and static equilibrium play important roles in motion and force.
When all forces acting on an object add up to zero and balance out, it is known as equilibrium. In ΣF = ma, the net force, ΣF, and the acceleration, a, must be equal to zero. There are two types of equilibrium: dynamic, which is when an object is in constant motion, and static, when an object stays at rest. As long as the opposing forces add up to zero or if there is no force at all, it is in equilibrium, whether it is in motion or not. The net force and the acceleration must be equal to zero, however “having an acceleration of 0 m/s/s does not mean the object is at rest (“Equilibrium and Statics”).” Equilibrium derives from Newton’s first law, also known as the law of inertia. Newton came up with this law after building up on

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