Balanced and unbalanced forces
Being level headed and keeping your feet firmly on the ground are two things that you will need to do as you prepare for and work toward accomplishing your missions. Don't let forces work against you! Read the information below to prepare yourself.
Balanced forces = no motion!
When forces are balanced, they are said to be in a state of equilibrium. In a state of equilibrium, there is nothing in motion. Even though we can't see it, there are equal forces being exerted by the book and the table in this picture. The book is getting pulled down by gravity and the table is exerting an upward force supporting the weight of the book. What do you think would happen if the force of gravity was stronger than the table? Record your thoughts in your science books.
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unbalanced forces = motion!
In order for motion to occur, one of the forces needs to be stronger than the other. When one force is stronger, the forces become unbalanced, motion occurs and the state of equilibrium has been broken. In this picture, the person on the left is exerting a stronger force than the person on the right. Because the forces are unbalanced, the person on the right will be pulled toward the stronger force on the left.
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What do the arrows (vectors) mean?
Task: Look at the image below...
Record your answers in your science books.
Watch this clip on balance for more information and take notes in your science books