Rotational equilibrium is the condition in which an object or system is not experiencing any net torque—meaning all the torques acting on it cancel out.
When this happens, the object:
- Either remains at rest (not rotating), or
- Rotates at a constant angular velocity (if it was already spinning)
This is similar to translational equilibrium, where net force is zero, but it applies to rotational motion.
Key points:
- Torque is the rotational equivalent of force, depending on the magnitude of the force, the distance from the pivot, and the angle of application.
- In rotational equilibrium, the clockwise torques equal the counterclockwise torques.
- It’s essential in designing stable structures, seesaws, bridges, and machines.
Understanding rotational equilibrium helps in solving problems involving static objects, balancing beams, and rotational dynamics in engineering and physics.