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 its motion.

Front

Example of a balanced force: A book sitting on a shelf. Why is it balanced?

Back

The weight of the book is equal to the upward force of the shelf, resulting in no movement.

Front

Example of an unbalanced force: A rocket lifting off the launch pad. Why is it unbalanced?

Back

The thrust from the rocket engines is greater than the gravitational pull, causing the rocket to accelerate upward.

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 in a straight line.

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

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

Back

The weight of the lamp is equal to the upward force from the table, keeping it stationary.

Front

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

Back

The force from the engine is greater than the frictional force, causing the car to speed up.

Front

What is the net force?

Back

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

Front

How do you calculate net force when forces are in the same direction?

Back

Add the magnitudes of the forces together.