Balanced & Unbalanced Forces

Front

What are balanced forces?

Back

Balanced forces are two or more forces acting on an object that are equal in size and opposite in direction, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

What are unbalanced forces?

Back

Unbalanced forces occur when two or more forces acting on an object are not equal, causing the object to move in the direction of the stronger force.

Front

What happens when forces are balanced?

Back

When forces are balanced, the object remains at rest or continues to move at a constant speed in a straight line.

Front

What happens when forces are unbalanced?

Back

When forces are unbalanced, the object will accelerate in the direction of the net 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 the role of direction in forces?

Back

The direction of a force determines which way an object will move; changing the direction of a force can change the object's motion.

Front

How can you change the direction of a force?

Back

You can change the direction of a force by applying it at a different angle or using a tool like a lever.

Front

What is an example of a situation with balanced forces?

Back

When two people pull on opposite ends of a rope with the same strength, the forces are balanced.

Front

What is an example of a situation with unbalanced forces?

Back

When a child swings on a swing set, the push from the child is an unbalanced force that makes the swing move.