Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

Front

What are balanced forces?

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 are unbalanced forces?

Back

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

Front

Example of balanced forces: A lamp sitting on a table. What does this mean?

Back

The lamp is not moving because the forces acting on it (gravity pulling it down and the table pushing it up) are balanced.

Front

Example of unbalanced forces: A runner jumping over a hurdle. What does this mean?

Back

The runner is moving upward and forward, indicating that the forces acting on them are not balanced.

Front

What happens to an object when an unbalanced force acts on it?

Back

The object moves in the same direction as the unbalanced force.

Front

What is the effect of balanced forces on an object's motion?

Back

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

Front

In a NASCAR race, why are the forces considered unbalanced?

Back

The cars are accelerating, turning, and changing speed, indicating that the forces acting on them are not balanced.

Front

What is inertia?

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.

Front

How does mass affect inertia?

Back

The greater the mass of an object, the greater its inertia, meaning it is harder to change its motion.

Front

What is an example of balanced forces in everyday life?

Back

A book resting on a table is an example of balanced forces, as the weight of the book is balanced by the support from the table.