Wiki User
Answered 2014-09-23 18:54:21
Original Answer:
When we say equilibrium, it is a state of balance. Meaning the summation of all forces in a system is equal to zero and the three states of equilibrium are; stable, unstable and neutral. Equilibrium has many different meanings, depending on what subject (chemistry or physics) or what topic (energy or forces). Dealing with energy there are three types of equilibrium. Stable is when any sort of movement will heighten the object's potential energy. When objects in stable equilibrium are moved, they have a tendency to fall back to their original position. For instance, a skateboarder at the bottom, in the middle, of a ramp. Either way the skateboarder moves, his/her potential energy will increase because he/she will be raising in height. The boarder will also roll back to the bottom of the ramp if he/she doesn't exert any sort of energy to maintain the new position.
Unstable is when any sort of movement will lower the object's potential energy. When such objects are moved, they cannot return to their original position without some exertion of energy. For instance, when a coin is placed on its side, it exhibits unstable equilibrium. Any sort of push will cause the coin to fall flat, lowering its center of mass. The coin will not return to its side unless someone picks it up and resets it. Neutral is when any sort of movement does not affect the object's potential energy. For instance, a ball on a table exhibits neutral equilibrium. If the ball rolls, the center of mass stays at the same height and thus it maintains the same equilibrium.
Your Answer
Still have questions?
Related Questions
In physics you will observe one of two 'states' if a body is in equilibrium What are they?
constant rest or constant motion, of course. It's Newton's First Law.
What is the science definition of equilibrium?
Equilibrium word is used in both Physics and Chemistry. In Physics it means substance which are balanced and not falling down or anywhere else then the substance is known as to be in Equilibrium State. In Chemistry it means balancing of two Chemical Equations.
What is amplitude in physics?
It is the maximum displacement of the body on either side of its equilibrium position.
Difference between a physical equilibrium and a chemical equilibrium?
Te difference is that a chemical equilibrium is the equilibrium of products and reactants in a reaction while a physical equilibrium is the equilibrium of the physical states of the same substance.
What is thermodynamic equilibrium in physics?
Thermodynamic equilibrium is when the inputs and outputs of a system is equal. This may be in terms of heat energy or in terms of liquid/gas flow.
17 Explain the difference between a physical equilibrium and a chemical equilibrium?
The difference is that chemical equilibrium is the equilibrium of products and reactants in a reaction while physical equilibrium is the equilibrium of the physical states of the same substance.
Which term describes the state of balance?
Homoeostasis. (Chemistry, biology) Equilibrium. (Physics, mechanics)
What is restoring force?
Restoring force, in a physics context, is a variable force that gives rise to an equilibrium in a physical system. If the system is perturbed away from the equilibrium, the restoring force will tend to bring the system back toward equilibrium.
Types of equilibrium?
In physics there are two common types of equilibrium: static equilibrium and neutral equilibrium. Equilibrium usually is related to potential energy, for a system to be at equilibrium it must maintain the balance between the two types of mechanical energy: potential and kinetic. The first equilibrium: static means that the system is in a relatively low (relatively means that there could be lower energy but the current states is a local minimum), thus small disturbances to the system will be returned to its original equilibrium. The other type of equilibrium is neutral equilibrium, the relative energies of the system is constant, thus disturbances to the system will move the system but it will remain at the same equilibrium value, and the system makes no effort to return to its original state. Please take a look at the graph for a visualization of these 2 types.
How is the force of gravity involved in the motion of a pendulum use the words equilibrium and retoring force in your answer?
Restoring force, in a physics context, is a variable force that gives rise to an equilibrium in a physical system. If the system is perturbed away from the equilibrium, the restoring force will tend to bring the system back toward equilibrium.
What is an example of the application of static equilibrium?
Static equilibrium in physics means that an object is stationary. There is no rotation or motion to it. An example of this would be a column supporting a building. There are physical forces acting on it, but there is no motion in the object.
Why is equilibrium a very important consideration in the study of physics?
Equilibrium denotes a condition where the sum of forces is zero or balanced. This condition is related to Boundary conditions or limit values for Energy.This is important because at Equilibrium the forces are balanced and the condition is said to be stable and unchanging.
What is the point at which all 3 states of matter are in equilibrium?
The Triple point is the point at which a given substance can exist in all three forms of matter, solid, liquid, and gas, at equilibrium. This point is determined by both temperature and pressure.
How many states of equilibrium are?
there are two types of equilibrium are: 1. static (at rest position) 2. dynamic (in uniform motion)
What is consumer's equilibrium?
consumer equilibrium states that consumer maximise his utility with the given income and with the given price or when a consumer getting maximum satisfaction with available resources then he will be in a state of equilibrium.
What are the factors affecting mechanical equilibrium physics?
Heat, temperature, rotation of the earth, velocity, speed, distance, human error. :))
What is the LeChatlier?
The Chatelier's Principle states that when a dynamic equilibrium is disturbed by changing conditions then the position of equilibrium shifts to counteract the change to reestablish equilibrium. A chemical reaction is at equilibrium and experiences a change in pressure, temperature, or concentration of products , equilibrium will shift in opposite directions to offset change.
Static equilibrium and dynamic equilibrium?
Static Equilibrium: If some forces are acting on a body horizontally or vertically, and the body remains it states of rest is called Static Equilibrium. Formula: ∑Fx =0 ∑Fy =0 Example: a book lying on a table. Dynamic Equilibrium: If some forces are acting on a body horizontally or vertically, and the body remains it states of motion is called Dynamic Equilibrium. Formula: ∑ =0 Example: a train is moving with uniform velocity.
In physics what is the law of moments?
An object is in equilibrium when the net force and the net torque on it are zero. to add Moment = Force X Perpendicular distance from pivot. Definition :- it states that the moment of force about an axes is equal to the sum of moments about same axes.
In what system can reactants exist in the same physical states?
Heterogeneous Equilibrium
In what system can reactants exist in different physical states?
heterogenous equilibrium
Why did Jean Baptiste Perrin win The Nobel Prize in Physics in 1926?
The Nobel Prize in Physics 1926 was awarded to Jean Baptiste Perrin for his work on the discontinuous structure of matter, and especially for his discovery of sedimentation equilibrium.
Where does equilibrium come from?
Equilibrium is a state of balance. In physics and chemistry, it occurs as a dynamic state where opposing forces or reactions result in a state whose average is at least roughly the same.In the human body, the state of equilibrium (balance) is provided by the inner ear and the visual center of the cerebellum.The word equilibrium is from the Latin equi(aequi) meaning equal, and libra, meaning balance.
What states that the two system which are in thermal equilibrium with a third system are in thermal equilibrium with each other?
Zeroth law of thermodynamics: If two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they must be in thermal equilibrium with each other. This law helps define the notion of temperature.
What do states of matter refer to in Physics?
The states of matter in Physics refer to the forms that phases of matter take on. If you took science in school, you may remember that the four states of matter are solid, liquid, gas and plasma.
