Balanced and 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 accelerate or change direction.

Front

Example of Balanced Force: A lamp sitting on a table. Why is it balanced?

Back

The weight of the lamp is balanced by the upward force of the table, resulting in no movement.

Front

Example of Unbalanced Force: A gymnast on a balance beam doing a back flip. Why is it unbalanced?

Back

The gymnast exerts force to flip, which is greater than the forces acting against her, causing her to move.

Front

Example of Balanced Force: Two ice skaters moving in a straight line at a constant speed. Why is it balanced?

Back

The forces acting on the skaters are equal, so they maintain a constant speed without acceleration.

Front

Example of Unbalanced Force: A car accelerating around a mountain curve. Why is it unbalanced?

Back

The car is changing direction and speed, indicating that the forces acting on it are not balanced.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

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

Back

The object will accelerate, decelerate, or change direction.

Front

What is an example of a balanced force in nature?

Back

A book resting on a table is an example of balanced forces, as the gravitational force is balanced by the normal force from the table.

Front

What is an example of an unbalanced force in sports?

Back

A soccer player kicking a ball is an example of unbalanced forces, as the kick causes the ball to accelerate.