Balanced Forces
Science: KS3, topic 3.2.3
Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
Forces can be balanced and unbalanced. An unbalanced force will cause a change in motion.
Balanced forces
- Balanced forces are equal in size and act in opposite directions.
- If a stationary object has balanced forces, the object will remain at rest.
Moving objects
- If a moving object has balanced forces, it will move at a constant speed.
- The object will move in the same direction.
- In both of these scenarios, the resultant force will be zero.
Unbalanced forces
- Unbalanced forces are unequal in size.
- Unbalanced forces cause a change in motion.
- If an object is stationary, it will start moving.
- If an object is already moving, it will change its speed.
Test yourself on Balanced Forces
What happens to a moving object when the forces acting on it are balanced?
A cyclist free-wheels up a hill and gradually slows down. What can you conclude about the forces acting on the cyclist?