Question

For stability of equilibrium configuration the net moment acting on the body by various forces is zero.

(a) True

(b) False

The question was asked in an interview.

My question is taken from Stability of Equilibrium Configurations topic in chapter Principle of Virtual Work of Engineering Mechanics

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) True

Best explanation: 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.