Balanced & Unbalanced Forces

Front

What is a balanced force?

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 is an unbalanced force?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Front

What force pulls objects toward the Earth?

Back

Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.5-PS2-1

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 accelerates in the direction of the net force.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Front

Can you give an example of balanced forces?

Back

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

Front

Can you give an example of unbalanced forces?

Back

A soccer ball being kicked is an example of unbalanced forces; the force of the kick is greater than the force of gravity acting on the ball.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Front

What is the direction of force?

Back

The direction of force is the way in which the force is applied, which can change the motion of an object.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-1

Front

What is the strength of a force?

Back

The strength of a force refers to how much push or pull is applied to an object.

Front

What role does air pressure play in forces?

Back

Air pressure can affect the motion of objects, such as keeping a ping-pong ball from shooting straight up.