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 in the direction of the greater force.

Front

Example of a balanced force:

Back

An asteroid moving at a constant speed through space.

Front

Example of an unbalanced force:

Back

A car accelerating from a stop sign.

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, change direction, or change speed.

Front

If a hamster is maintaining his position on a wheel, what type of forces are acting on it?

Back

The forces are balanced.

Front

If a car is drifting, what type of forces are acting on it?

Back

The forces are unbalanced.

Front

What can you say about the forces acting on a truck that takes a while to stop?

Back

The forces are unbalanced.

Front

What is the net force when forces are balanced?

Back

The net force is zero.