Question

For equilibrium, the net moment acting on the body by various forces is zero, in any of the body in the space, as in the space it is acted by various forces, like gravity.

(a) True

(b) False

This question was addressed to me in an interview for job.

This interesting question is from Potential Energy topic in chapter Principle of Virtual Work of Engineering Mechanics

Answer 1

Right option is (a) True

For explanation I would say: The equilibrium is only attained if the net moment on the body tends to be equal to zero. Thus the moments caused by different forces cancels out. If this happens there is no motion of the body along any direction and hence the body is said to be in equilibrium. The body here is a rigid body.