Static equilibrium occurs when the net force acting on an object is zero, meaning there are no unbalanced forces causing it to accelerate. For a box you are pushing, it will reach static equilibrium when the force you are applying decreases to the point where it equals the static friction force opposing the motion.
In practical terms, if you are gradually decreasing the force you exert on the box:
- If the force you apply is greater than the static friction force, the box will move.
- If the force you apply decreases and equals the static friction force, the box will stop accelerating.
- If you continue to decrease your force further to the point that it is less than the static friction force, the box will come to rest and remain at rest, achieving static equilibrium.
Therefore, the box will reach static equilibrium when the force you exert is equal to or less than the maximum static friction force, and the box is no longer experiencing any net force.
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