In the present article, we are intended to discuss about the state of static equilibrium and associated facts.
Consider a reference plane, and if the object under observation is at rest with respect to the plane, i.e., if it’s not undergoing any kind of motion along with each and every force acting on that object is balanced, a particular state that is obeying the conditions mentioned above corresponds to the state of static equilibrium.
In general, an object that is said to be in static equilibrium is found to be not capable of moving.
The next part deals with the definition corresponding to the state of static equilibrium.
State-of-static-equilibrium
Any state (physical state) of the system that corresponds to zero force as well as zero torque, i.e., all the forces that are said to be acting on each and every particle associated with the system add up to give zero. We can also say that the individual parts of the system are supposed to be at rest.
In the upcoming section, we shall know the state of static equilibrium.
What is the state of static equilibrium?
We define the geometry, position and orientation of a system with the help of one of the coordinate systems; with respect to the used orthogonal coordinate system, the force that is being externally applied as well as the moments should be balanced by the forces and moments which will be generated internally. This is said to be the state of static equilibrium.
The object is expected to be at rest and not experiencing any type of motion (translational or rotational) in order to achieve the state of static equilibrium.
The following part deals with the factors that affect the state of static equilibrium.
What affects the state in static equilibrium?
The state of static equilibrium can be affected by the following mentioned factors,
- Magnitude of force
- Torque
- Level-arm
- Weight of the body
The magnitude of force: All the forces that are said to be acting on each and every particle associated with the system should add up to give zero for the system to be in a state of static equilibrium.
Torque: Any state (physical state) of the system in static equilibrium must correspond to zero force as well as zero torque.
Level-arm: When the level arm of the system is varied, we can witness its effects of it on the state of the system as well.
Weight of the body: weight of the body is also one of the forces that are supposed to be acting on the system.
The upcoming section covers the difference between the state of static and thermal equilibrium.
What is the difference between the state of static and thermal equilibrium?
Following is a table that depicts the difference between the state of static equilibrium and thermal equilibrium.
| Static equilibrium | Thermal Equilibrium |
| Any state (physical state) of the system that corresponds to zero force as well as zero torque, i.e., all the forces that are said to be acting on each and every particle associated with the system add up to give zero. | Two systems are observed to be in thermal equilibrium if connected by a channel that permits heat transfer. |
| The force that is being externally applied as well as the moments should be balanced by the forces and moments which will be generated internally | In general, the thermal equilibrium is usually governed by the zeroth law of thermodynamics. A system is believed to be in thermal equilibrium temperature associated with the system is homogeneous as well as constant throughout the period. |
| A person on the podium standing still, a ball placed on the ground, and Rock balance sculptures are some of the examples of a state in static equilibrium. | Two vessels containing water connected to one other are in thermal equilibrium. |
Next, we shall discuss some examples of a state of static equilibrium.
What is the example of a static equilibrium state?
Below given are a few examples of a state of static equilibrium,
- A book on the table that is resting
- A parked car on the road
- A person on the podium standing still
- A ball placed on the ground
- Rock balance sculptures
Here, we will learn about why a motionless body is in a state of static equilibrium.
Why is a motionless body in a state of static equilibrium?
A motionless body is said to be in a state of static equilibrium as it is not undergoing any kind of motion along with each and every force acting on that object is balanced, i.e., all the forces that are said to be acting on each and every particle-associated of the motionless body add up to give zero. We can also say that the individual parts of the system are supposed to be at rest.
Distinguish between static and dynamic equilibrium.
| Dynamic equilibrium | Static equilibrium |
| Both forward and backward reactions taking place at a similar rate is the criteria for dynamic equilibrium. | Forward as well as backward reactions at the same rate are not the criteria for the case of static equilibrium. |
| Reactants, as well as product concentrations, are supposed to be balanced with respect to each other to achieve the dynamic equilibrium. | Concentrations associated with both reactants as well as the products are being changed. |
| The ‘dynamic’ word suggests that the reaction continuously proceeds. | The ‘static’ word depicts that we cannot witness any kind of reaction taking place. |
| The system in dynamic equilibrium is, in general, a closed system. | The system in static equilibrium is, in general, an open system. |
What do you mean by a thermal equilibrium?
Two systems are observed to be in thermal equilibrium if connected by a channel that permits heat transfer. In general, the thermal equilibrium is usually governed by the zeroth law of thermodynamics. A system is believed to be in thermal equilibrium temperature associated with the system is homogeneous as well as constant throughout the period.
Two vessels containing water connected to one other are in thermal equilibrium.
What do you mean by a static equilibrium?
Consider a reference plane, and if the object under observation is at rest with respect to the plane, i.e., if it’s not undergoing any kind of motion along with each and every force acting on that object is balanced, a particular state that is obeying the conditions as mentioned above corresponds to the state of static equilibrium.
In general, an object that is said to be in static equilibrium is found to be not capable of moving. The system in static equilibrium is, in general, an open system.
What is the application of static equilibrium?
It is found that the static equilibrium acts as a helpful tool for analysis in classical mechanics. Any state (physical state) of the system, i.e., in static equilibrium, corresponds to zero force as well as zero torque, i.e., all the forces that are said to be acting on each and every particle associated with the system add up to give zero.
Therefore, it is possible to find the direction as well as the magnitude corresponding to an unknown force when the same is available for one of the forces.
Conclusion
We define the geometry, position and orientation of a system with the help of one of the coordinate systems; with respect to the used orthogonal coordinate system, the force that is being externally applied as well as the moments should be balanced by the forces and moments which will be generated internally. This is said to be the state of static equilibrium.
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Hi…..I am Harshitha H N. I have completed my master’s in Physics from the University of Mysore with a specialization in Nuclear physics. I enjoy exploring new things in my free time. My article always aims to develop and bring some value to the table with relevant topics.
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