Balanced & Unbalanced Forces

We will identify balanced and unbalanced forces.

A push or pull on an object.

Able to change the motion of an object.

Gravity, friction, and air resistance are three common forces on Earth.

The overall force exerted on an object; measured in Newtons (N).

If the net force is 0, then a change in motion will not occur.

If the net force is greater than 0, then a change in motion will occur.

Subtract the forces if the arrows are pointed toward each other or pointed away from each other.

Add the forces together if the arrows are all pointed the same direction.

Equal forces that do not cause a change in an object’s motion (Net Force = 0 Newtons).

The net force on an object must be calculated in order to determine if it is balanced or unbalanced.

Forces are balanced when the net force = 0 Newtons.

Unequal forces that cause a change in an object’s motion.

Cause a change in speed and/or direction of an object – moves the direction of the greater force.

Forces are unbalanced when the net force does not equal 0 Newtons.