Balanced vs Unbalanced Forces

Front

What is a balanced force?

Back

A balanced force occurs when two or more forces acting on an object are equal in size and opposite in direction, resulting in no change in the object's motion.

Front

What is an unbalanced force?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of balanced forces in everyday life.

Back

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

Front

Give an example of unbalanced forces in everyday life.

Back

A soccer ball being kicked is an example of unbalanced forces; the force of the kick is greater than the forces acting against it, causing the ball to move.

Front

What is the net force?

Back

The net force is the overall force acting on an object after all the individual forces are combined.

Front

How do balanced forces affect an object's motion?

Back

Balanced forces do not change an object's motion; the object remains at rest or continues to move at a constant speed.

Front

How do unbalanced forces affect an object's motion?

Back

Unbalanced forces cause an object to accelerate, change direction, or change speed.

Front

What is inertia?

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion; it is directly related to the object's mass.

Front

How does mass affect inertia?

Back

The greater the mass of an object, the greater its inertia, meaning it will require more force to change its motion.

Front

What is friction?

Back

Friction is a force that opposes the motion of an object, acting between surfaces in contact.