Force is a push or pull in a particular direction. They affect how objects move. They may cause motion; they may also slow, stop, or change the directions of motion of an object that is already moving.
Net Force
Balanced Forces
Unbalanced Forces
Net Force
- When more than one force acts on an object. The forces combine to form a Net Force. The combination of all the forces acting on an object is the net force.
Balanced Forces
- Forces may work together or they may be opposite forces.
- Two or more opposite forces are balanced forces if their effects cancel each other and they do not cause a change in an object's motion.
- If two forces of equal strength act on an object in opposite directions, the forces will cancel, resulting in a net force of zero and no movement.
Unbalanced Forces
- If the effects of the forces don't cancel each other and one force is stronger than the other, the forces are unbalanced forces. Unbalanced forces cause a change in motion; speed and/or direction.
- When two unequal forces act in the same directions on an object, the net force is the sum of the two forces.
- The final force and its direction are called a resultant.
The top
The forces shown are pulling. The forces shown are opposite forces. The forces are equal. They balance each other. The resultant force is zero. There is no motion. The bottom The forces shown are pulling. The forces shown are opposite forces. The forces are not equal. The don't balance each other. The stronger force is pulling to the left. The weaker force is pulling to the right. There is motion to the left. |