Balanced or Unbalanced?

Front

What does it mean for a system to be balanced?

Back

A balanced system is one where all forces acting on an object are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, resulting in no net force and no change in motion.

Front

What does it mean for a system to be unbalanced?

Back

An unbalanced system is one where the forces acting on an object are not equal, resulting in a net force that causes the object to accelerate in the direction of the greater force.

Front

Give an example of a balanced force situation.

Back

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

Front

Give an example of an unbalanced force situation.

Back

A soccer ball being kicked is an example of unbalanced forces; the force of the kick is greater than the opposing forces, causing the ball to accelerate.

Front

What is the net force in a balanced system?

Back

The net force in a balanced system is zero.

Front

What is the net force in an unbalanced system?

Back

The net force in an unbalanced system is greater than zero, causing acceleration.

Front

How can you determine if forces are balanced or unbalanced?

Back

You can determine if forces are balanced or unbalanced by analyzing the direction and magnitude of all forces acting on an object.

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 mass of the object.

Front

How does mass affect balance?

Back

The greater the mass of an object, the greater the force required to change its state of motion, affecting how balanced or unbalanced the forces are.

Front

What role does friction play in balanced and unbalanced forces?

Back

Friction can oppose motion and affect whether forces are balanced or unbalanced; it can prevent motion in a balanced system or slow down an object in an unbalanced system.