Question

Three non-zero forces, F₁, F₂, and F₃, are acting on an object. Forces F₁ and F₂ have opposite directions, and both are perpendicular to F₃. What additional force must be applied to keep the object in equilibrium?

A) a force equal in magnitude to F₃ and opposite in direction to F₃
B) a force equal in magnitude to F₃ and in the same direction as F₃
C) a force equal in magnitude to F₃ and in the direction of either F₁ or F₂
D) a force equal in magnitude to F₃ and opposite in direction to F₂

Answer 1

To maintain equilibrium with the given force setup, the additional force required must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to F₃.

Step-by-step explanation:

To achieve equilibrium in a situation where three non-zero forces are acting on an object with forces F₁ and F₂ having opposite directions and both being perpendicular to F₃, an additional force is required.

According to Newton's Third Law of Motion and considering vectors, the additional force must have the same magnitude as F₃ but in the opposite direction to balance it out. Therefore, the answer is a force equal in magnitude to F₃ and opposite in direction to F₃. This ensures that the forces in each direction cancel out, resulting in a net force of zero, which is the condition for equilibrium.