How Many Forces Can You Add to Keep an Object in Equilibrium?

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An object can theoretically be in equilibrium with an infinite number of forces acting on it, as long as the net force in both horizontal and vertical components remains zero. For instance, two equal and opposite forces can keep an object stationary, demonstrating equilibrium. However, practical limitations exist, as real-world conditions may prevent an infinite number of forces from being applied effectively. The discussion also touches on the concept of calculus, suggesting that while infinite forces could be considered, they may not always yield infinite results in practical scenarios. Ultimately, while the idea of infinite forces is intriguing, it is constrained by physical realities.
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Homework Statement


how mnay forces can you add to kep an object in equilibrium


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



is it infinite? and what would be the reason? It doesn't seem realistically possible??
 
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Equilibrium means that the net force in both the horizontal and vertical compenents is 0.
 
so are you saying that there can be an infinite amount of forces acting on an object sp that it's at equilibrium?
 
If the object can handle an infinite amount of forces, than yes.

For example, there are 2 forces acting on an object horizontaly. One force is x N to the right, the other force is x N to the left, hence the net force in the horizontal component is 0, assuming there are no other forces acting upon it, it would not move, and be in equalibriam.
 
I'm thinking that ideally it would be infinite...but I'm somehow sure there are limitations...using calculus, one could show that infinite may not always lead to infinite. For example, if one were to cross a river, one would have to cross an infinite number of infinitesimal steps...but there is apparently some limited distance to it.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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