AFOQT Practice Test

What is equilibrium in physics?

1. A state of extreme motion

2. A state of rest or constant speed without acceleration

3. The condition of being in constant motion

4. A phenomenon related to gravitational force

The correct answer is: A state of rest or constant speed without acceleration

You chose the appropriate answer. Equilibrium in physics refers to a state where an object is either at rest or moving with a constant velocity, which means it is not accelerating. In this state, all the forces acting upon the object balance each other out, resulting in no net force and thus no change in motion. Being in equilibrium can also be understood through Newton's first law of motion; an object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will continue moving at a constant velocity unless acted upon by a net external force. This definition succinctly captures the essence of equilibrium in classical mechanics, underpinning its significance in analyzing the behavior of objects in various physical contexts.