Which of the following statements is true about the forces acting on an object in equilibrium?

Study for the NCEA Level 2 Mechanics Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare for success!

In a state of equilibrium, an object experiences balanced forces acting upon it. This means that all the individual forces combining to act on the object result in a net force of zero. Essentially, these forces counteract each other completely, leading to no net movement in any direction.

When forces cancel each other out, the object may either remain at rest or continue to move with constant velocity, which is consistent with Newton's first law of motion. This law states that an object in motion will remain in motion at a constant velocity unless acted on by a net external force. Therefore, the concept of balance in forces directly supports the understanding that the net force is zero, fulfilling the criteria for equilibrium.

Forces not summing to zero, an object being in motion, or being forced to accelerate, are not characteristics of a system in equilibrium, making those statements incorrect.

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