Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Equilibrium refers to a state of balance or stability in which opposing forces or factors are equal. In physics, it specifically refers to a situation where the net force and net torque acting on an object are both zero.
Related terms
Static Equilibrium: Static equilibrium occurs when an object is at rest and all forces acting on it are balanced.
Dynamic equilibrium occurs when an object is moving at a constant velocity with no acceleration.
Stable Equilibrium: Stable equilibrium refers to a state where if an object is displaced slightly from its position, it will return back to its original position.