Balanced and UnBalanced Forces

A force is a push or a pull.  

All forces have both size and direction.

A force can cause an object to speed up, slow down, or change direction.

When you see an object’s change in motion, one or more forces caused this change. 

We use the newton (N).

Frictional Force

Tension Force

Normal Force

Air Resistance Force

Applied Force

Spring Force

Gravitational Force

Electrical Force

Magnetic Force

Usually, multiple forces act on an object. The combination of forces acting on an object is called the net force. 

When forces are acting in the same direction, you add them and state which direction the object will move. 

When forces are acting in opposite directions, you subtract them and state which direction the object will move.

Forces can be balanced or unbalanced. When the forces on an object produce a net force of 0 N, the forces are balanced. Balanced forces do not cause a change in the motion of a moving or nonmoving object. 

Balanced forces do not cause a change in the motion of a moving or nonmoving object. 

When the net force on an object is not 0 newtons, the forces are unbalanced. Unbalanced forces produce a change in an object’s motion.