An object or body is in static equilibrium because the vector sum of all external forces is:

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When an object is in static equilibrium, it means there is no net force acting on it; the object does not accelerate. This condition is mathematically expressed as the vector sum of all external forces being zero.
Option A: 'A. Equal to zero' states that the net external force sums to zero. This is precisely the definition of static equilibrium, so this option is consistent with the fundamental condition for no acceleration.
Option B: 'B. Slightly negative' suggests a nonzero net force in the negative direction. A nonzero net force would produce acceleration, contradicting static equilibrium, so this is incorrect.
Option C: 'C. Equal to body mass times acceleration due to gravity' would mean the net force equals the weight of the body, which is only the case if the only force were gravity or if the system is designed to have a specific balance with support forces. In static equilibrium, the net external force must be zero, not equal to mg, so this is false.
Option D: 'D. Always positive' implies a net force in the positive direction, which would again lead to acceleration. Static equilibrium requires the resultant force to be zero, not consistently positive, so this is incorrect.
Putting it together, the only option that aligns with the condition of static equilibrium is the net external force being zero, while the other options describe scenarios that would produce motion or acceleration rather than equilibrium.

An object or body is in static equilibrium because the vector sum of all external forces is:

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