Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

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.

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.

The object will change its motion, either speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction.

The net force is zero when forces are balanced.

Yes, an object can be moving at a constant speed in a straight line with balanced forces acting on it.

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.

A car accelerating when the driver presses the gas pedal experiences unbalanced forces.

Balanced forces do not change the object's motion; it remains at rest or continues moving at a constant speed.

Unbalanced forces cause an object to accelerate, decelerate, or change direction.

Forces cause changes in motion; unbalanced forces result in acceleration, while balanced forces maintain motion.