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

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 it 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 opposing forces, causing the ball to move.

Front

What is a contact force?

Back

A contact force is a force that occurs when two objects are physically touching each other.

Front

What is a non-contact force?

Back

A non-contact force is a force that can act on an object without physical contact, such as gravitational force or magnetic force.

Front

What happens to an object at rest when balanced forces act on it?

Back

An object at rest will remain at rest when balanced forces act on it.

Front

What happens to a moving object when unbalanced forces act on it?

Back

A moving object will change its speed or direction when unbalanced forces act on it.

Front

What is the role of friction in balanced and unbalanced forces?

Back

Friction is a force that opposes motion; it can contribute to balanced forces when it counteracts another force, or it can be part of unbalanced forces when it slows down a moving object.

Front

How does gravity affect balanced and unbalanced forces?

Back

Gravity is a force that pulls objects toward the Earth; it can create balanced forces when countered by another force, or unbalanced forces when it causes an object to accelerate downward.