Blog 3

In physics we are learning about Newton's laws.  Newton's second law states that, net force=mass * acceleration.  When an object is at equlibrium, there is no acceleration, and the net force is zero.  This is the chandelier that hangs above my dinner table.  The chandelier is at equilibrium because it is at a state of no change.  Also, it is not accelerating in either direction.  The reason the chandelier is not moving is because there is a chain holding it to the ceiling.  The pulling force of the chain is known as tension.  In order for the chandelier to be at rest, the y component of the tension (of the chain) must be equal to the weight of the chandelier, so that the y components will cancel out to zero.  I'm very glad that the chain has enough tension (net force) to hold up the chandelier!  If it didn't, we wouldn't have a dinner table, or light to see!