A balanced mobile is a type of hanging kinetic sculpture that, as defined by its state, will be at rest as long as no additional forces are acting on its structure.
Understanding a Balanced Mobile
Based on the provided information, the key characteristic of a balanced mobile is its equilibrium state when undisturbed. This means:
- State of Rest: In the absence of external forces, a balanced mobile will remain still, maintaining its intended arrangement of hanging objects.
- Sensitivity to Forces: When external forces, such as air movement, act on the objects hanging from the mobile, they are pushed and consequently begin to move. This inherent balance allows even subtle forces to create motion.
Essentially, the balance in a mobile refers to the precise arrangement and weighting of its components (rods, wires, objects) that allows it to hang stably in a state of rest until acted upon by an outside force. This delicate equilibrium is what makes mobiles responsive to environmental changes like air currents.
