WHEN A LEVER IS IN EQUILIBRIUM, UNDER THE ACTION OF TWO OR MORE FORCES, THE ALGEBRAIC SUM OF THE MOMENTS OF THE FORCES ABOUT THE POINT OF SUPPORT IS

• A. anti-clockwise
• B. clockwise
• C. equal to the product to the forces
• D. numerically equal to the total forces acting
• E. equal to zero ✓

The answer to the question is: E. equal to zero

When a lever is in equilibrium under the action of two or more forces, the algebraic sum of the moments of the forces about the point of support is equal to zero.

In physics, a lever is a simple machine consisting of a rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point called the fulcrum. When a lever is in equilibrium, it means that the net torque acting on it is zero. Torque, also known as moment, is the measure of the force’s tendency to cause rotation around an axis. In the case of a lever in equilibrium, the algebraic sum of the moments of the forces about the point of support (fulcrum) must be zero. This condition ensures that there is no net rotational force acting on the lever, maintaining its stability and balance.

The equilibrium condition for a lever can be expressed mathematically as Στ = 0, where Στ represents the sum of the torques or moments and must equal zero for equilibrium to be maintained. This equation reflects the principle of moments, which states that for an object to be in equilibrium, the sum of clockwise moments about any point must be equal to the sum of anticlockwise moments about that point.