Why is a book resting on a table in a state of equilibrium?
Gravity is a net force acting on the book in a downward direction.
The book and the table both have acceleration (due to gravity) of 9.8 m/s/s.
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 have the same weight
1 answer
The book is in a state of equilibrium because the forces acting on it are balanced. The downward force of gravity on the book is balanced by the upward force exerted by the table. This balance of forces prevents the book from accelerating or moving. As long as the forces remain balanced, the book will remain in a state of equilibrium on the table.