Question

Why is a book resting on a table in a state of equilibrium?(1 point)
Responses

Gravity is a net force acting on the book in a downward direction.
Gravity is a net force acting on the book in a downward direction.

The book’s weight and the upward force the table exerts on the book have equal magnitude but opposing directions.
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 both have acceleration (due to gravity) of 9.8 m/s/s.
The book and the table both have acceleration (due to gravity) of 9.8 m/s/s.

The book and the table have the same weight.

1 answer

The correct response is:

The book’s weight and the upward force the table exerts on the book have equal magnitude but opposing directions.

This explains that the forces acting on the book are balanced, which is why it remains in a state of equilibrium. The downward force due to gravity (the weight of the book) is matched by the upward normal force from the table, resulting in no net force and no acceleration.