What is the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces?
Force is the measure of strength or energy as an attribute of physical action. The force can either be a balanced or unbalanced force.
The main difference between balanced and unbalanced forces is that Balanced force implies the force which does not change the object’s state of motion whereas unbalanced forces are the one that results in the change in object’s state of motion.
The article provides the core difference between balanced and unbalanced force with examples for deeper understanding. Let’s find out:
Read More: Difference between Molecular Motion and Diffusion
What Are Balanced Forces?
Balanced forces are those forces that are opposite in direction but considered to have equal size. The balanced force is said to be in a state of equilibrium.
Also, the force does not change the state of motion of the object. Example of balanced force is a person standing on the floor where the force of gravity exerts pressure downwards and the floor exerts pressure upwards.
Main properties of Balanced Forces
- Do not bring change to the object state of motion
- Have equal magnitude
- The result of the force is zero
- Objects remain in a stationary state
- Do not need an external force to balance
What Are Unbalanced Forces?
Unbalanced forces are those forces that result in the change of state of motion of an object. The magnitude of the force is not equal and it results in disequilibrium.
The net force of unbalanced forces is non-zero and the object will move in a direction at a greater force. Unbalance force causes an acceleration in the object. Example of unbalance forces is the book pushed on the table
Main Properties of Unbalanced Forces
- Change the position of the object
- The forces are not equal in magnitude
- The result of the force is greater than zero
- The object does not remain in a stationary position
- The force need an external force to balance
Comparison Chart: Balanced Forces Vs Unbalanced Forces
| Basic Terms | Balanced Forces | Unbalanced Forces |
| Definition | Forces that are in opposite direction and them the equal magnitude | Forces that result in the state of motion of an object and they are unequal |
| Magnitude | Equal | Unequal |
| Direction | Opposite | Same or opposite |
| Stationary Object | Stays at rest | Move-in the direction of the greater force |
| Moving Objects | Continues to move in the same direction at the same speed | Changes speed and direction |
| Net Force | Zero | Non-zero |
| Examples | A person standing on the floor. Force of gravity acting from the top and floor apply upward force | Book pushed on the table |
Core Difference Between Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
- Balanced forces are those individual forces applied on the object with the same magnitude and opposite direction while unbalanced forces are those forces acting on the object with different magnitude.
- The magnitude of two forces is equal in balanced forces while in unbalanced forces are unequal.
- The two individual forces act in the opposite direction in balanced forces while in unbalanced forces the two individual forces can act either in the same or different direction.
- Balanced forces make the stationary object to rest while unbalanced forces make the stationary object to move in the direction of greater force
- The object continues to move at the same speed when balance force is applied while in unbalanced force, the speed increase and experience change in direction.
- The net force of balanced force is zero while the unbalanced force is greater than zero
- Example of unbalanced forced is when the book on the table is pushed while balanced force is when the book is placed on the table.
Similarities between Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
- Both are forces
- Both act on an object
- Both are quite important in life
Comparison Video
Summary
The core difference between balanced and unbalanced forces is the magnitude of the force. We need unbalanced force in our daily life, unlike balance force.
Take the time to read the article and state at least 5 examples of balanced and unbalanced forces in your free time. Good luck.
More Sources and References
- https://clarkscience8.weebly.com/balanced-vs-unbalanced-forces.html
- https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:balanced%20vs%20unbalanced%20forces
- http://www.csun.edu/~psk17793/S9CP/S9%20Balanced_and_unbalanced_forces.htm