A rigid body is said to be in translational equilibrium, if it remains at rest or moving with a constant velocity in a particular direction. For this, the net external force or vector sum of all the external forces acting on the body must be zero, i.e.,
`oversetrarr(F) = 0 or overset rarr(F) = sum overset rarr(F_(i)) = 0`
If `U` is potential energy of the body, then
`F = – (dU)/(dr) = 0 or U =` constant (max. or min.)
When `U =` minimum, equilibrium of body is stable,
When `U` tends to increase, equilibrium is unstable,
When `U` remains constant, equilibrium is neutral.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions :
(i) When can a bosy moving uniformly along a straight line be in equilibrium ? What is this equlilbrium called ?
(ii) What is the significance of `U =` minimum in day to day life ?
`oversetrarr(F) = 0 or overset rarr(F) = sum overset rarr(F_(i)) = 0`
If `U` is potential energy of the body, then
`F = – (dU)/(dr) = 0 or U =` constant (max. or min.)
When `U =` minimum, equilibrium of body is stable,
When `U` tends to increase, equilibrium is unstable,
When `U` remains constant, equilibrium is neutral.
Read the above passage and answer the following questions :
(i) When can a bosy moving uniformly along a straight line be in equilibrium ? What is this equlilbrium called ?
(ii) What is the significance of `U =` minimum in day to day life ?
(i) A body moving uniformly along a straight line is in equilibrium when vector sum of all the external forces acting on the body is zero.
This equilibrium is called dynamic equilibrium.
(ii) When `U =` minimum, i.e. potential energy of the body is minimum, the body is in stable equilibrium. In day to day life, stable equilibrium corresponds to peace of mind and potential energy `(U)` corresponds to your involvement. Thus when your involvement is minimum, you have peace of mind and stability.