Question

An object is affected by two forces at the same time. If it remains in a static state, what is the angle between the directions of the forces?

1) 0 degrees
2) 45 degrees
3) 90 degrees
4) 180 degrees

Answer 1

The angle between the directions of two forces on a static object must be 90 degrees, indicating that the forces are acting at right angles to each other to maintain static equilibrium.

Step-by-step explanation:

If an object remains in a static state while being acted upon by two forces, it means the forces are in equilibrium. For this condition to be fulfilled, the forces must be equal in magnitude but act in opposite directions or be at right angles to each other.

Since the question does not mention that the forces are of equal magnitude and opposite, the only other option for equilibrium is that the forces are acting at right angles. Therefore, the angle between the directions of the forces must be 90°. This concept is an application of Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by a net external force.