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 start moving, stop moving, or change direction.

Front

Example of balanced forces: A lamp sitting on a table. Why is it balanced?

Back

The weight of the lamp is balanced by the upward force of the table.

Front

Example of unbalanced forces: A rocket taking off. Why is it unbalanced?

Back

The force of the rocket's engines is greater than the force of gravity pulling it down.

Front

What happens when balanced forces act on an object?

Back

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

Front

What happens when unbalanced forces act on an object?

Back

The object accelerates, meaning it can speed up, slow down, or change direction.

Front

Example of unbalanced forces: A runner jumping over a hurdle. Why is it unbalanced?

Back

The runner exerts a force to jump, overcoming gravity and the height of the hurdle.

Front

Example of unbalanced forces: Cars in a NASCAR race. Why is it unbalanced?

Back

The cars are competing and accelerating at different speeds, creating unbalanced forces.

Front

What is the net force?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

Add the magnitudes of the forces together.