Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

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

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

A book resting on a table is an example of balanced forces; the force of gravity pulling it down is balanced by the normal force from the table pushing it up.

A soccer ball being kicked is an example of unbalanced forces; the force of the kick is greater than the opposing forces, causing the ball to move.

The object remains at rest or continues to move at a constant speed in a straight line.

The object will accelerate in the direction of the net force.

Net force is the overall force acting on an object after all the individual forces are combined.

The net force is 50 N in the direction of the forces.

The net force is 0 N, resulting in balanced forces.

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