Question

Two forces are acting on a body. For the body to remain in equilibrium, the forces have to be ____

(a) Equal in magnitude and opposite in direction

(b) Equal in direction and opposite in magnitude

(c) In the same direction

(d) In perpendicular directions

I have been asked this question in exam.

This key question is from Laws of Motion topic in section Laws of Motion of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

The correct choice is (a) Equal in magnitude and opposite in direction

For explanation: Only when the forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, the net force will be zero on the body. Since there is no moment, we need not care about the second condition of equilibrium. The body is in equilibrium only when the net force acting on it is zero which is satisfied only in this manner.