Balanced vs. Unbalanced Forces

Front

What is a force?

Back

A force is a push or a pull that can cause an object to move, stop, or change direction.

Front

What are balanced forces?

Back

Balanced forces are equal in size and opposite in direction, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

What are unbalanced forces?

Back

Unbalanced forces are not equal and can cause an object to accelerate, decelerate, or change direction.

Front

What happens when forces are balanced?

Back

When forces are balanced, an object will remain at rest or continue to move at a constant speed in a straight line.

Front

What happens when forces are unbalanced?

Back

Unbalanced forces cause an object to change its state of motion, either starting to move, stopping, or changing direction.

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 pulls down, and the table pushes up with equal force.

Front

Give an example of unbalanced forces in everyday life.

Back

A soccer ball being kicked experiences unbalanced forces: the force of the kick pushes it forward, while gravity pulls it down.

Front

What is friction?

Back

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

Front

How does gravity affect forces?

Back

Gravity is a force that pulls objects toward each other, affecting their motion and the balance of forces.

Front

What is the net force?

Back

The net force is the overall force acting on an object, calculated by combining all individual forces acting on it.