Balanced & Unbalanced Forces

Front

What are balanced forces?

Back

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

Front

What are unbalanced forces?

Back

Unbalanced forces are forces that are not equal in size or direction, causing an object to accelerate or change its motion.

Front

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

Back

An object will either stay still or move at a constant speed and direction.

Front

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

Back

An object will accelerate, decelerate, or change direction.

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 down is balanced by the table pushing up.

Front

Give an example of unbalanced forces in everyday life.

Back

A marble rolling down a ramp is an example of unbalanced forces; gravity pulls it down the ramp.

Front

What is friction?

Back

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

Front

How does friction affect balanced and unbalanced forces?

Back

Friction can create unbalanced forces, causing an object to slow down or stop.

Front

What is inertia?

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.

Front

How does inertia relate to balanced and unbalanced forces?

Back

Inertia explains why an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by unbalanced forces.