Balanced and Unbalanced Forces Worksheet

Circle the balanced forces, cross out the unbalanced forces. Which pictures show balanced forces? Choose all that apply.

• Tug-of-war teams pulling with no side moving

• A book resting on a table

• A seesaw tipping to one side

• A waterfall rushing downward

True or False: If something is unbalanced it is moving.

• True

• False

How can a moving object be in equilibrium?

• There is no change in the object's state of motion.

• A moving object cannot be in equilibrium.

• A force gets it moving.

• A force keeps it moving at constant velocity.

• None are correct.

In complete sentences, describe how an object can change from a balanced force to an unbalanced force with examples. Which option best describes this change?

Corbyn stood on one leg to show a balanced force, but he became wobbly and moved back and forth. What is this called when he is moving back and forth?

• A balanced force

• An unbalanced force

• Friction only

• Gravity only

Is Corbyn correct when he states that he is showing a balanced force? Why or why not? If not, how can he make it balanced?

• No. He is wobbling, so the forces are unbalanced; he should hold still with his weight and the support force equal.

• Yes. Any motion on one leg is always balanced; he should wobble more to keep it balanced.

• No. Forces do not matter while standing; he should jump to make it balanced.

• Yes. Moving back and forth shows equal pushes; he should keep moving to stay balanced.

Describe what forces are working on Corbyn as he stands on one leg. Select all that apply.

• Gravity pulling him downward

• The support (normal) force from the ground pushing upward

• Friction between his shoe and the floor preventing slipping

• Strong air resistance pushing him sideways

The forces acting on the cart are ​ (a)   , causing the cart to move to the ​ (b)   _​

• unbalanced
• Left
• Right
• Balanced
• net force

The forces acting on the cart are ​ (a)   , causing the cart to ​ ​ (b)   __​

• balanced
• left
• unBalanced
• net force
• stay in the same place

The forces acting on the cart are ​ (a)   , causing the cart to move to the ​ ​ (b)   __​

• unbalanced
• left
• Balanced
• net force
• right