Balanced and unbalanced forces

Front

What are balanced forces?

Back

Balanced forces are two or more forces acting on an object that cancel each other out, resulting in no change in motion.

Front

What are unbalanced forces?

Back

Unbalanced forces occur when two or more forces acting on an object do not cancel each other out, causing the object to move.

Front

What happens to a seesaw when one side is heavier?

Back

The heavier side will go down, and the lighter side will go up.

Front

What is friction?

Back

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

Front

What is gravity?

Back

Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward each other, such as the Earth pulling us down.

Front

What is an example of balanced forces in everyday life?

Back

A book resting on a table is an example of balanced forces; the weight of the book is balanced by the support force of the table.

Front

What is an example of unbalanced forces in everyday life?

Back

Pushing a shopping cart forward is an example of unbalanced forces; the force you apply is greater than the friction.

Front

How can you tell if forces are balanced?

Back

If an object is at rest or moving at a constant speed in a straight line, the forces acting on it are balanced.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What is the role of friction on a slide?

Back

Friction slows down the motion of a person sliding down, helping to prevent them from sliding too fast.