Balanced and Unbalanced

​What is a balanced force?

Balanced forces occur when the sum of all forces acting on an object is zero. The forces are equal in magnitude(size; how much of a quantity) but act in opposite directions, canceling each other out. When balanced forces act on an object, the object will either remain stationary or move at a constant speed.

​Unbalanced forces are forces that act on an object and are not equal in magnitude or direction, or both. The net force of unbalanced forces is not equal to zero, which causes the object to change its state of motion, accelerate, or move in a different direction. For example, if you push a book on a table, the book will move forward because of the unbalanced force.

​80 N

​Balanced Forces: are equal and opposite. The net force is zero.

​80 N

Unbalanced Forces are unequal or in different directions. The net force is not zero.

​80 N 40N