Balanced and 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 are forces that are not equal in size and/or direction, causing an object to accelerate or change its motion.

Front

What is net force?

Back

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

Front

If two forces of 50 N are acting in opposite directions, what is the net force?

Back

0 N (the forces cancel each other out).

Front

If a cart is pushed with 30 N to the right and 25 N to the left, what is the net force?

Back

5 N to the right.

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

Give 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 upward force of the table.

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 opposing forces.

Front

What is the unit of force?

Back

The unit of force is the Newton (N).