Net Forces

Front

What is a balanced force?

Back

A balanced force occurs when two forces acting on an object are equal in size but opposite in direction, resulting in a net force of zero. The object remains at rest or continues to move at a constant speed.

Front

What is an unbalanced force?

Back

An unbalanced force occurs when the forces acting on an object are not equal, causing a change in the object's motion, such as starting to move, stopping, or changing direction.

Front

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

Back

When the net force is zero, the object does not accelerate; it either remains at rest or continues to move at a constant velocity.

Front

What is the unit of force?

Back

The unit of force is the Newton (N).

Front

Give an example of balanced forces in everyday life.

Back

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

Front

What causes an object to change its motion?

Back

An unbalanced force causes an object to change its motion.

Front

If a cyclist is moving at a constant speed but changes direction, what type of force is acting on them?

Back

Unbalanced forces are acting on the cyclist because the change in direction indicates a change in motion.

Front

What is inertia?

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and force?

Back

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

Front

What is friction?

Back

Friction is a force that opposes the motion of an object, acting parallel to the surfaces in contact.