Balanced forces
When forces are equal and opposite, they cancel out. The object doesn't move — or keeps moving at the same speed.
Unbalanced forces
If one force is bigger, the object moves in the direction of the bigger force. Push a toy car — your push beats friction, so it rolls.
Force arrows
Scientists draw forces as arrows. Longer arrows = bigger forces. Arrows show direction too.
🔑 Key Terms
- Balanced forces
- Forces that cancel out — no change in motion.
- Unbalanced forces
- Forces that don't cancel out — they change motion.
Did you know?
When a rocket lifts off, the engine's thrust force must beat Earth's gravity — that's why rockets need so much fuel!
Try it at home: Tug of war
- Tie a rope between two people of similar strength.
- Pull at the same time, same hard.
- If no one moves — that's balanced forces!
- If one wins — that's unbalanced!