equilibrium: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As	static equilibrium • mechanical equilibrium

Photos

Two diagrams compare force equilibrium on a rectangular block. In A, equal and opposite forces act vertically at the center, showing equilibrium. In B, the same forces act at different points, causing imbalance.

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Topics

resultant equilibrant force electromagnetism gravity fundamental force wear friction strong force stress weak interaction Can Anything Break if You Hit It Hard Enough?magnetic force

Italian-born physicist Dr. Enrico Fermi draws a diagram at a blackboard with mathematical equations. circa 1950.

Physics and Natural Law