Final answer:
The two forces acting on a suspended anvil are the downward force of gravity (weight) and the upward force of tension in the rope. These forces are equal and opposite in a state of equilibrium, resulting in no net force and keeping the anvil stationary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two forces acting on the anvil suspended from the rope are gravity and tension. Gravity pulls the anvil downward, and this force is represented by its weight (w). The rope exerts an upward force to counteract this, which is the tension (T) in the rope.
According to Newton's second law, in a state of equilibrium where the anvil is stationary, these forces balance each other out, resulting in a net force (Fnet) of zero. The formula Fnet = T - w = 0 illustrates this balance, indicating that the tension in the rope equals the weight of the anvil.
Understanding these forces and how they interact is crucial in physics, as it helps explain the stationary position of the anvil despite the presence of gravitational pull. Free-body diagrams are commonly used to visually represent these forces acting on an object, providing a clear depiction of the situation.