Question
True or false? If a book is sitting still on a shelf, the shelf is exerting a constant force on the book. false true
Answer
4.4
(122 Votes)
Terrence
Advanced · Tutor for 1 years
Answer
True
Explanation
## Step 1:This question is based on the principle of equilibrium in physics. When an object is at rest and not in motion, it is said to be in a state of equilibrium. This means that all the forces acting on the object are balanced, resulting in no net force acting on the object. ## Step 2:In the case of the book sitting on the shelf, there are two main forces acting on it. The first is the force of gravity, which pulls the book downwards. The second is the normal force, which is the force exerted by the shelf on the book, pushing it upwards. ## Step 3:According to the principle of equilibrium, the force of gravity and the normal force must be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction for the book to remain at rest. This means that the shelf must exert a constant force on the book that is equal to the weight of the book (the force of gravity acting on it).