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College Physics 2e

Glossary

College Physics 2eGlossary

Glossary

center of gravity
the point where the total weight of the body is assumed to be concentrated
dynamic equilibrium
a state of equilibrium in which the net external force and torque on a system moving with constant velocity are zero
mechanical advantage
the ratio of output to input forces for any simple machine
neutral equilibrium
a state of equilibrium that is independent of a system’s displacements from its original position
perpendicular lever arm
the shortest distance from the pivot point to the line along which FF lies
SI units of torque
newton times meters, usually written as N·m
stable equilibrium
a system, when displaced, experiences a net force or torque in a direction opposite to the direction of the displacement
static equilibrium
a state of equilibrium in which the net external force and torque acting on a system is zero
static equilibrium
equilibrium in which the acceleration of the system is zero and accelerated rotation does not occur
torque
turning or twisting effectiveness of a force
unstable equilibrium
a system, when displaced, experiences a net force or torque in the same direction as the displacement from equilibrium
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