Question

The diagram shows the forces acting on an object at an instant of time. Which of

the following statements about the forces is true? Select one answer.

Answer 1

The correct option is;

The object is in horizontal equilibrium but NOT in vertical equilibrium

Step-by-step explanation:

The given given forces in the force diagram are expressed in vector form as follows;

Topmost force = 2·i + 3·j

The horizontal force = 3·i

The force at the lower section = -5·i - 2·j

Adding the forces together to find the resultant force gives;

`F_R` = 2·i + 3·j + 3·j + (-5·i - 2·j) = 5·i + 3·j - 5·i - 2·j = 0·i + j = j

`F_R` = j

Therefore, the horizontal component of the forces are balanced as they cancel out and the object is said to be in horizontal equilibrium

However, the object has a net total resultant force component in the positive vertical direction, the object is not in vertical equilibrium.