Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

Front

What are balanced forces?

Back

Balanced forces are forces that are equal in size but opposite in direction. They do not cause a change in motion.

Front

What are unbalanced forces?

Back

Unbalanced forces are forces that are not equal in size or direction. They cause an object to accelerate or change its motion.

Front

What happens when forces are balanced?

Back

When forces are balanced, the object remains at rest or continues to move at a constant speed.

Front

What happens when forces are unbalanced?

Back

When forces are unbalanced, the object will accelerate in the direction of the net force.

Front

What is net force?

Back

Net force is the total force acting on an object after all the forces are combined.

Front

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

Back

Add the magnitudes of the two 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 is friction?

Back

Friction is a force that opposes the motion of an object. It occurs when two surfaces are in contact.

Front

What is an example of balanced forces in real life?

Back

An example of balanced forces is a book resting on a table; the force of gravity pulling it down is balanced by the normal force from the table pushing it up.

Front

What is an example of unbalanced forces in real life?

Back

An example of unbalanced forces is a car accelerating; the engine's force is greater than the frictional force opposing it.