Net Force Practice

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. It determines the object's acceleration and direction.

Front

What does it mean when forces are balanced?

Back

Balanced forces occur when two or more forces acting on an object are equal in size but opposite in direction, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

What is an example of balanced forces?

Back

A book resting on a table experiences balanced forces: the force of gravity pulling it down is equal to the normal force from the table pushing it up.

Front

What is an example of unbalanced forces?

Back

A soccer ball being kicked experiences unbalanced forces: the force of the kick is greater than the friction and air resistance acting against it.

Front

How do you determine the direction of net force?

Back

The direction of the net force is the same as the direction of the greater force when forces are unbalanced.

Front

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

Back

When the net force is zero, the object remains at rest or continues to move at a constant speed in a straight line.

Front

What is the formula for calculating net force?

Back

Net Force (F_net) = Force applied (F_applied) - Force opposing (F_opposing).

Front

What is inertia?

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. It is directly related to the object's mass.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and net force?

Back

The greater the mass of an object, the greater the net force needed to change its motion (Newton's second law: F = ma).

Front

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

Back

Unbalanced forces cause an object to accelerate, change direction, or change speed.