balanced and unbalanced forces

Front

What are balanced forces?

Back

Balanced forces are forces that are equal in size and 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 and can 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 lamp is not moving because the force of gravity pulling it down is balanced by the support force from the table.

Front

Example of unbalanced forces: A baseball that has been thrown. What happens?

Back

The baseball moves because the force of the throw is greater than the forces acting against it.

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 greater force.

Front

Can an object be at rest and still have forces acting on it?

Back

Yes, if the forces are balanced, the object can be at rest even though forces are acting on it.

Front

What is an example of balanced forces in nature?

Back

An asteroid moving at a constant speed through space is an example of balanced forces.

Front

What is an example of unbalanced forces in everyday life?

Back

A car accelerating from a stop sign is an example of unbalanced forces.

Front

What is the role of gravity in balanced forces?

Back

Gravity pulls objects down, and if it is balanced by another force, the object will not move.