Balanced vs. Unbalanced Forces

Front

What is a balanced force?

Back

A balanced force occurs when two or more forces acting on an object are equal in size and opposite in direction, resulting in no movement.

Front

What is an unbalanced force?

Back

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

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 in a straight line.

Front

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

Back

The object will accelerate, change direction, or change its speed.

Front

If a boat moves left at 4 m/s and the current moves right at 5 m/s, what will happen?

Back

The boat will move backwards.

Front

What is the effect of gravity on a marble rolling down a ramp?

Back

Gravity creates an unbalanced force that causes the marble to accelerate down the ramp.

Front

How can you identify if forces are balanced or unbalanced?

Back

If the net force (total force) acting on an object is zero, the forces are balanced. If the net force is not zero, the forces are unbalanced.

Front

What is the net force when two equal forces act in opposite directions?

Back

The net force is zero, indicating balanced forces.

Front

Give an example of balanced forces in everyday life.

Back

A book resting on a table experiences balanced forces: the weight of the book downward is balanced by the normal force of the table upward.

Front

Give an example of unbalanced forces in everyday life.

Back

A child pushing a swing causes it to move forward, demonstrating unbalanced forces.