Balanced and unbalanced forces

Front

What are balanced forces?

Back

Balanced forces are forces that are equal in size but opposite in direction. They do not cause a change in motion.

Front

What are unbalanced forces?

Back

Unbalanced forces are forces that are not equal in size or direction. They cause an object to start moving, stop moving, or change direction.

Front

What happens when a force pushes a ball in the same direction it is moving?

Back

The ball moves faster in the same direction it was moving.

Front

What is an example of balanced forces in everyday life?

Back

A book resting on a table is an example of balanced forces; the weight of the book is balanced by the support force of the table.

Front

What is an example of unbalanced forces in everyday life?

Back

A person pushing a shopping cart forward is an example of unbalanced forces; the push causes the cart to move.

Front

What does it mean when forces are equal and opposite?

Back

It means that the forces cancel each other out, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

How can you tell if forces are balanced or unbalanced by looking at an object?

Back

If the object is at rest or moving at a constant speed in a straight line, the forces are balanced. If it is speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction, the forces are unbalanced.

Front

What happens to a stationary object when unbalanced forces act on it?

Back

It will start to move in the direction of the greater force.

Front

What is the effect of balanced forces on a moving object?

Back

Balanced forces will keep the object moving at the same speed and in the same direction.

Front

What is friction?

Back

Friction is a force that opposes motion between two surfaces that are in contact.