Balanced & Unbalanced Forces

Front

What is a balanced force?

Back

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.

Front

What is an unbalanced force?

Back

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

Front

What force pulls objects towards the Earth?

Back

The force of gravity pulls objects towards the Earth.

Front

What happens when forces are balanced?

Back

When forces are balanced, the object does not move or changes its motion.

Front

What happens when forces are unbalanced?

Back

When forces are unbalanced, the object accelerates in the direction of the stronger force.

Front

Can you give an example of balanced forces?

Back

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

Front

Can you give an example of unbalanced forces?

Back

An example of unbalanced forces is when a person pushes a shopping cart; if they push harder than the friction, the cart moves.

Front

What is air pressure?

Back

Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air above an object.

Front

How does air pressure affect a ping-pong ball?

Back

Air pressure can keep a ping-pong ball from shooting up to the ceiling, but gravity is the main force acting on it.

Front

What is the direction of a force?

Back

The direction of a force is the way in which the force is applied, such as pushing or pulling.