Physics 9: 1-4 Static Equilibrium

Homework

• Reading Preparation
• Key Equations
• WebLecture
• Study Activity
• Chat Preparation Activities
• Chapter Quiz
• Lab Work

Reading Preparation

Text Reading: Giancoli, Physics - Principles with Applications, Chapter 9: Sections 1-4

Study Points

• 9.1: Acceleration or change in motion can occur only if there is a net force acting. If we know forces are exerted on an object, but the object doesn't change its speed or direction, then the forces must be balanced, so that the net force is zero. In particular, objects at the Earth's surface experience gravitational acceleration. Objects in rest must be in a state of equilibrium, where other forces exist that are equal and opposite to the linear and angular acceleration of gravitational force and torque.
• 9.2: We can assess the forces acting on an object by breaking them into x, y, and z linear components, and clockwise or counterclockwise torques, and balancing the forces and torques in each direction. Our analysis depends on the fact that forces acting at right angles do not interfer with each other.
• 9.3: We can use the mechanical definitions of force and torque to analyze motions of the human body.
• 9.4: If we disturb a system in equilibrium slightly, it may return to its equlibrium state (stable equilibrium) or it may move to a new state further from its original state (unstable equilibrium). Consider a marble and a glass bowl. If we place the marble in the bottom of the upturned bowl and move it slightly up the walls, it will fall back to the bottom: this is a stable situation. However, if we turn the bowl over, and set the marble at the top of the curvature, slight deviations will cause the marble to move over the edge and slide down the outside of the bowl. Similarly, an object whose center of mass is no longer over its "footprint" will respond to torque forces that cause it to rotate and fall over.

Key Equations

Web Lecture

Read the following weblecture before chat: Inertia, Acceleration, and Force

Study Activity

Chat Preparation Activities

• Forum question: The Moodle forum for the session will assign a specific study question for you to prepare for chat. You need to read this question and post your answer before chat starts for this session.
• Mastery Exercise: The Moodle Mastery exercise for the chapter will contain sections related to our chat topic. Try to complete these before the chat starts, so that you can ask questions.

Chapter Quiz

• The chapter quiz is not yet due.

Lab Work

If you want lab credit for this course, you must complete at least 18 labs; you may complete more if you are preparing for the AP exam.. One or more lab exercises are posted for each chapter as part of the homework assignment. We will be reviewing lab work at regular intervals, so do not get behind!

• Lab Instructions: Equilibrium

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