Question:medium

Three concurrent forces of the same magnitude are in equilibrium. What is the angle between the forces? Also, name the triangle formed by the forces as sides

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For three equal forces in equilibrium, the angle between any two is $120^{\circ}$.
Updated On: May 3, 2026
  • $60^{\circ}$ equilateral triangle
  • $120^{\circ}$ equilateral triangle
  • $120^{\circ}$ $30^{\circ}$ $30^{\circ}$ an isosceles triangle
  • $120^{\circ}$ an obtuse triangle
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To solve the problem of finding the angle between three concurrent forces of the same magnitude that are in equilibrium, let's explore the necessary concepts and reasoning step-by-step.

  • The question involves three concurrent forces that are in equilibrium, meaning the resultant force is zero.
  • For three forces of equal magnitude to be in equilibrium, they should form a closed triangle, and the vectors representing these forces should add up to zero.
  • Geometrically, when three forces create a closed triangle and are of the same magnitude, the only triangle that satisfies these conditions is an equilateral triangle, where each angle is \(60^{\circ}\).

Let's further validate this with vector addition:

  • If you place the tail of each vector at the head of the next, and all have the same magnitude, a closed path is formed, indicating zero resultant, confirming equilibrium.
  • The internal angles between these vectors when represented as a triangle must still ensure the equilibrium condition. In an equilateral triangle, all angles internal to the triangle are \(60^{\circ}\).
  • However, when referring to the angle between directions of vector forces (which is the external angle in this geometric representation), they measure \(120^{\circ}\). This is because each external angle in an equilateral triangle (with three vectors creating this triangle) is equals \(180^{\circ} - 60^{\circ} = 120^{\circ}\).

Thus, the triangle formed by these forces when considered as sides is an equilateral triangle, but the angle between the directions of forces is \(120^{\circ}\), leading us to the correct answer:

  • $120^{\circ}$ equilateral triangle.

Hence, the correct answer is $120^{\circ}$ equilateral triangle.

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