Balanced & Unbalanced Forces

Front

What are balanced forces?

Back

Balanced forces are two or more forces acting on an object that are equal in size and opposite in direction, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

What are unbalanced forces?

Back

Unbalanced forces occur when two or more forces acting on an object are not equal, causing the object to accelerate in the direction of the net force.

Front

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

Back

When balanced forces act on an object, it remains at rest or continues to move at a constant speed in a straight line.

Front

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

Back

When unbalanced forces act on an object, it will accelerate, change direction, or change its speed.

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 table pushing it up.

Front

Give an example of unbalanced forces in everyday life.

Back

A car accelerating when the driver presses the gas pedal is an example of unbalanced forces; the engine's force is greater than the frictional force.

Front

What is the net force?

Back

The net force is the overall force acting on an object after all the individual forces are combined.

Front

How do you calculate net force?

Back

To calculate net force, add up all the forces acting in one direction and subtract the forces acting in the opposite direction.

Front

What is friction?

Back

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

Front

What role does friction play in balanced and unbalanced forces?

Back

Friction can contribute to unbalanced forces by opposing motion, but it can also be balanced by other forces to keep an object at rest.