Net Forces

Front

What is a 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 motion.

Front

How do you find the net force when two forces are acting in the same direction?

Back

You add the two forces together.

Front

What happens when two forces of equal strength act in opposite directions?

Back

The forces cancel each other out, resulting in no movement.

Front

What is a balanced force?

Back

Balanced forces are equal in size and opposite in direction, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

What is an unbalanced force?

Back

Unbalanced forces are not equal and can cause an object to start moving, stop moving, or change direction.

Front

If a net force of 2.2 N is acting to the left, what does that mean?

Back

It means that the total force acting on the object is 2.2 Newtons directed to the left.

Front

What is the effect of balanced forces on an object?

Back

Balanced forces do not change the object's motion; it remains at rest or continues to move at a constant speed.

Front

What is the effect of unbalanced forces on an object?

Back

Unbalanced forces cause an object to accelerate, change direction, or change its state of motion.

Front

If two boys are pulling with the same amount of force, what will happen?

Back

They will not move at all because the forces are balanced.

Front

What is an example of balanced forces?

Back

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