The First Condition for Equilibrium

The first condition necessary to achieve equilibrium is the one already mentioned: the net external force on the system must be zero. Expressed as an equation, this is simply

Note that if net F size 12{F} {} is zero, then the net external force in any direction is zero. For example, the net external forces along the typical x- and y-axes are zero. This is written as

[link] and [link] illustrate situations where netF=0 size 12{"net"`F=0} {} for both static equilibrium (motionless), and dynamic equilibrium (constant velocity).

This motionless person is in static equilibrium. The forces acting on him add up to zero. Both forces are vertical in this case. This car is in dynamic equilibrium because it is moving at constant velocity. There are horizontal and vertical forces, but the net external force in any direction is zero. The applied force Fapp size 12{F rSub { size 8{"app"} } } {} between the tires and the road is balanced by air friction, and the weight of the car is supported by the normal forces, here shown to be equal for all four tires.

However, it is not sufficient for the net external force of a system to be zero for a system to be in equilibrium. Consider the two situations illustrated in [link] and [link] where forces are applied to an ice hockey stick lying flat on ice. The net external force is zero in both situations shown in the figure; but in one case, equilibrium is achieved, whereas in the other, it is not. In [link], the ice hockey stick remains motionless. But in [link], with the same forces applied in different places, the stick experiences accelerated rotation. Therefore, we know that the point at which a force is applied is another factor in determining whether or not equilibrium is achieved. This will be explored further in the next section.

An ice hockey stick lying flat on ice with two equal and opposite horizontal forces applied to it. Friction is negligible, and the gravitational force is balanced by the support of the ice (a normal force). Thus, netF=0 size 12{"net"`F=0} {}. Equilibrium is achieved, which is static equilibrium in this case. The same forces are applied at other points and the stick rotates—in fact, it experiences an accelerated rotation. Here netF=0 size 12{"net"`F=0} {} but the system is not at equilibrium. Hence, the netF=0 size 12{"net"`F=0} {} is a necessary—but not sufficient—condition for achieving equilibrium.