Balanced/Unbalanced 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 no change in motion.

Front

What is an unbalanced force?

Back

An unbalanced force occurs when two forces acting on an object are not equal, causing the object to accelerate in the direction of the greater force.

Front

Example of a balanced force: A car waiting at a red light.

Back

This is a balanced force because the car is not moving; the forces acting on it (gravity and friction) are equal.

Front

Example of an unbalanced force: A cup falling off a table.

Back

This is an unbalanced force because gravity pulls the cup down, causing it to accelerate towards the ground.

Front

What happens to an object when balanced forces act on it?

Back

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

Front

What happens to an object when unbalanced forces act on it?

Back

The object accelerates in the direction of the net force.

Front

Example of balanced forces in sports: An arm wrestling game.

Back

In an arm wrestling game, if both players apply equal force, the forces are balanced.

Front

Example of unbalanced forces in motion: A car accelerating around a mountain curve.

Back

The car experiences unbalanced forces as it changes direction and speed.

Front

What is the role of friction in balanced and unbalanced forces?

Back

Friction can contribute to balanced forces by opposing motion, or it can be part of unbalanced forces when it affects acceleration.

Front

How do balanced forces affect the motion of an object?

Back

Balanced forces do not change the motion of an object; it stays still or moves at a constant speed.