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 the motion of an object.

Front

What are unbalanced forces?

Back

Unbalanced forces are forces that are not equal in size or direction. They cause a change in the motion of an object.

Front

Example of balanced forces: A book resting on a table. What is happening?

Back

The forces acting on the book (gravity pulling it down and the table pushing it up) are balanced, so the book does not move.

Front

Example of unbalanced forces: A soccer ball being kicked. What happens?

Back

The force of the kick is greater than the forces acting against it, causing the ball to move in the direction of the kick.

Front

What happens to an object when balanced forces act on it?

Back

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

Front

What happens to an object when unbalanced forces act on it?

Back

The object accelerates in the direction of the net force acting on it.

Front

Balanced or Unbalanced: A car parked on a flat road. What is it?

Back

Balanced forces, as the forces acting on the car are equal.

Front

Balanced or Unbalanced: A child swinging on a swing. What is it?

Back

Unbalanced forces, as the child is moving back and forth due to the push and pull of gravity and the swing.

Front

What is the net force?

Back

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

Front

How do you determine if forces are balanced or unbalanced?

Back

If the net force is zero, the forces are balanced. If the net force is greater than zero, the forces are unbalanced.