Balanced Force: Definition, Examples & Differences from Unbalanced Force

Balanced forces are a key concept in physics, especially when understanding motion and equilibrium. This page explains what balanced forces are, gives real-life examples, compares them with unbalanced forces, and answers common questions for exam success.

What are Balanced Forces?

• Balanced forces are forces acting on a body that are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, so their net effect (resultant force) is zero.
• They do not change the object’s motion; the object stays at rest or moves with constant velocity.
• Common in situations of static equilibrium (nothing moves) and dynamic equilibrium (constant velocity).

Examples of Balanced Forces

• A book resting on a table (gravity vs. normal force)
• A person standing still on the ground (weight vs. support force)
• A tug of war with equally matched teams where the rope doesn’t move
• A parked car on a flat road (all horizontal and vertical forces are balanced)
• Pushing a wall (you and the wall exert equal and opposite forces)

What are Unbalanced Forces?

• Unbalanced forces occur when the total force on an object is not zero, resulting in a net force and a change in the object’s motion (acceleration).
• Unbalanced forces make objects speed up, slow down, or change direction.
• Examples: A football being kicked, a car accelerating, a seesaw with one heavy and one light person.

Balanced vs Unbalanced Forces: Key Differences

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Balanced Force

1. What is a balanced force in physics?
   When all the forces acting on an object cancel each other out (net force = 0), they are called balanced forces.
2. Give two examples of balanced force in daily life.
   A book on a table; two people pushing a box with equal force from opposite sides.
3. What happens to an object if forces acting on it are balanced?
   The object remains at rest or continues to move with the same speed and direction.
4. How is a balanced force different from an unbalanced force?
   Balanced force causes no change in motion, while unbalanced force causes acceleration.
5. Can an object move with balanced forces acting on it?
   Yes, if it was already in motion at constant velocity, it will keep moving with that velocity.
6. What is an example of unbalanced force?
   A football being kicked, or a person pushing a stationary cart causing it to move.
7. Is gravity a balanced or unbalanced force?
   Gravity can be either, depending on context. If gravity is balanced by normal force (like a book on a table), the forces are balanced. If not, it causes acceleration (falling object).
8. What are signs that forces are balanced on an object?
   The object stays at rest or moves at constant speed in a straight line; no acceleration occurs.
9. Why is it important to understand balanced and unbalanced forces?
   They explain why objects move or stay still, and are fundamental to Newton’s laws and all motion studies.

Practice MCQs: Balanced & Unbalanced Forces

1. Which of the following is an example of balanced forces?
   a) A moving car speeding up
   b) A book lying on a table
   c) A rolling ball slowing down
   d) A ball being hit by a bat
2. Balanced forces acting on an object will:
   a) Change its direction
   b) Change its shape
   c) Not change its motion
   d) Cause acceleration
3. Which statement is true for unbalanced forces?
   a) Net force is zero
   b) The object must be at rest
   c) The object will accelerate
   d) Only occur in solids
4. When two equal and opposite forces act on a stationary object, the object will:
   a) Start moving
   b) Remain stationary
   c) Spin
   d) Heat up
5. Which scenario shows unbalanced force in action?
   a) Two people arm wrestling with equal strength
   b) A ball being kicked
   c) A balanced seesaw
   d) A glass resting on a shelf

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