Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

o   We will identify balanced and unbalanced forces.

o   A push or pull on an object.

o   Able to change the motion of an object.

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

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

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

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

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

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

o   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.
o   Forces are balanced when the net force = 0 Newtons.

​Balanced Forces

Any object with no motion.

Example: A cell phone resting on the counter.

​Balanced Forces

Any object moving at a constant speed.

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

o   Cause a change in speed and/or direction of an object – moves the direction of the greater force.
o   Forces are unbalanced when the net force does not equal 0 Newtons.

​o   Unbalanced Forces

o   A football player tackling a quarterback.

Any object that is speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction (accelerating).