Question

A weightlifter lifts a barbell (Fig.). List two forces that are acting on the barbell. Are these forces balanced if the weightlifter keeps the barbell steady?

Answer 1

The barbell is acted upon by two forces:

• The weight (gravitational force) acts downward
• The upward force exerted by the weightlifter.

When the weightlifter holds the barbell steady, these two forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. As a result, they balance each other, and the net force on the barbell becomes zero.