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Compare Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

Use force size and direction to predict changes in motion.

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Forces have size and direction. Equal opposing forces balance. A nonzero net force changes motion in its direction. Balanced forces do not require an object to be at rest.

Worked example

A cart has 5 newtons pushing right and 3 newtons pushing left. The net force is 2 newtons right, so its motion changes toward the right.

1. A box at rest has 4 N left and 4 N right acting horizontally. What is the net horizontal force?
2. A cart has 9 N right and 2 N left. What is the net force?
3. A moving object has zero net force. What happens in this idealized situation?
4. Two pushes on a box act right: 3 N and 6 N. What is their combined force?
5. A sliding block slows because of friction. Which way does that friction act?