WAEC Physics questions: Equilibrium of forces

12 questions with answers and explanations. Tap an option to check yourself.

1. Question 1· Equilibrium of forces· WAEC

   A body is in stable equilibrium if, when slightly displaced, it

   • Arests in its new position
   • Bmoves further from its position
   • Creturns to its original position
   • Dtopples over

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   Explanation and discussion

2. Question 2· Equilibrium of forces· WAEC

   A uniform metre rule is balanced at its 50 cm mark. A 2 N weight hangs at the 20 cm mark. Where must a 3 N weight hang to keep it balanced?

   • A80 cm mark
   • B70 cm mark
   • C60 cm mark
   • D30 cm mark

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3. Question 3· Equilibrium of forces· WAEC

   A spanner 0.25 m long needs a turning moment of 20 Nm to loosen a nut. The force needed at its end is

   • A80 N
   • B5 N
   • C20.25 N
   • D0.0125 N

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   Explanation and discussion

4. Question 4· Equilibrium of forces· WAEC

   The principle of moments states that for a body in equilibrium

   • Athe body must be moving
   • Ball forces act downwards
   • Cthe weight is zero
   • Dthe sum of clockwise moments equals the sum of anticlockwise moments

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5. Question 5· Equilibrium of forces· WAEC

   A cone resting on its flat base is in

   • Aneutral equilibrium
   • Bunstable equilibrium
   • Cstable equilibrium
   • Dno equilibrium

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   Explanation and discussion

6. Question 6· Equilibrium of forces· WAEC

   A uniform plank resting on a support is in equilibrium. Which statement must be true?

   • AThe support must be at the centre of the plank
   • BThe plank must be horizontal
   • CThe clockwise moments about the support equal the anticlockwise moments
   • DThe weight of the plank is zero

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7. Question 7· Equilibrium of forces· WAEC

   Find the moment of a 15 N force acting perpendicularly 0.4 m from a pivot.

   • A0.6 N m
   • B37.5 N m
   • C15.4 N m
   • D6 N m

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8. Question 8· Equilibrium of forces· WAEC

   A ball resting on a level table is in

   • Astable equilibrium
   • Bneutral equilibrium
   • Cunstable equilibrium
   • Dno equilibrium

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9. Question 9· Equilibrium of forces· WAEC

   A uniform metre rule balances at its 50 cm mark. A 30 g mass hangs at the 20 cm mark. Where must a 20 g mass hang to restore balance?

   • A80 cm mark
   • B95 cm mark
   • C70 cm mark
   • D5 cm mark

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10. Question 10· Equilibrium of forces· WAEC

    A see-saw pivoted at its centre has a 400 N child 1.5 m from the pivot. How far on the other side must a 300 N child sit to balance?

    • A1.5 m
    • B2.0 m
    • C1.125 m
    • D2.5 m

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11. Question 11· Equilibrium of forces· WAEC

    A racing car is made with a low centre of gravity and wide wheel base to

    • Aincrease speed
    • Bincrease stability
    • Creduce friction
    • Dincrease weight

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12. Question 12· Equilibrium of forces· WAEC

    A cone resting on its tip is in

    • Astable equilibrium
    • Bunstable equilibrium
    • Cneutral equilibrium
    • Dno equilibrium

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    Explanation and discussion