Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

Front

What is a balanced force?

Back

A balanced force occurs when two forces acting on an object are equal in size but opposite in direction, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

What is an unbalanced force?

Back

An unbalanced force occurs when two forces acting on an object are not equal, causing the object to accelerate in the direction of the greater force.

Front

What is inertia?

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion; an object at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by a force.

Front

Give an example of balanced forces in everyday life.

Back

A lamp sitting on a table is an example of balanced forces, as the force of gravity pulling it down is balanced by the support force from the table.

Front

What happens when unbalanced forces act on an object?

Back

When unbalanced forces act on an object, it will accelerate in the direction of the net force.

Front

What is the net force?

Back

The net force is the overall force acting on an object after all the individual forces are combined.

Front

How does mass affect inertia?

Back

The greater the mass of an object, the greater its inertia, meaning it will be harder to change its state of motion.

Front

What is the relationship between force and acceleration?

Back

According to Newton's second law, the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass (F=ma).

Front

What is an example of an unbalanced force in sports?

Back

A player pushing a stationary soccer ball is an example of an unbalanced force, as the force applied causes the ball to move.

Front

What is the effect of balanced forces on an object's motion?

Back

Balanced forces do not change an object's motion; the object remains at rest or continues to move at a constant speed.