RE-FLASHCARD: Calculating Net Force (Balanced and Unbalanced Forces)

Front

What is net force?

Back

The net force is the total force acting on an object when all the individual forces are combined. It determines the object's motion.

Front

What are balanced forces?

Back

Balanced forces are forces that are equal in size but opposite in direction, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

What are unbalanced forces?

Back

Unbalanced forces are forces that are not equal and opposite, causing a change in the motion of an object.

Front

How do you calculate net force when two forces act in the same direction?

Back

Add the magnitudes of the forces together.

Front

How do you calculate net force when two forces act in opposite directions?

Back

Subtract the smaller force from the larger force.

Front

What happens to an object when the net force is zero?

Back

The object remains at rest or continues to move at a constant speed.

Front

What is the effect of applying more force to an object?

Back

Applying more force increases the object's acceleration and can change its speed.

Front

What is acceleration?

Back

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object, which can be caused by unbalanced forces.

Front

What is the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration?

Back

According to Newton's second law, Force = Mass x Acceleration (F = ma).

Front

What is an example of balanced forces in everyday life?

Back

A book resting on a table experiences balanced forces: the weight of the book downward and the normal force of the table upward.