Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
Grade 3 · Science · Forces and Motion · West Virginia, USA
Lesson Summary
When forces are balanced, an object stays still or keeps moving the same way. Unbalanced forces cause a change in motion.
Explanation
If two people push a box with the same strength from opposite sides, the forces are balanced and the box does not move. If one person pushes harder, the forces are unbalanced and the box moves in that direction. An object at rest stays at rest until an unbalanced force acts on it. An object in motion keeps moving until an unbalanced force changes its speed or direction.
Practice Questions
Q1: Two teams pull a rope with equal force. What happens?
Answer: The rope does not move because the forces are balanced.
Q2: What kind of force is needed to make a still object start moving?
Answer: An unbalanced force.
Q3: A car is moving at a steady speed on a straight road. Are the forces balanced or unbalanced?
Answer: Balanced, because the speed and direction are not changing.
People Also Ask
What is Balanced and Unbalanced Forces in Grade 3 Science?+
Balanced and Unbalanced Forces is a lesson in the Forces and Motion chapter of Grade 3 Science. It is part of the West Virginia, USA school curriculum and covers key concepts that students need to understand at this level.
What grade level covers Balanced and Unbalanced Forces?+
Balanced and Unbalanced Forces is taught in Grade 3 as part of the Science curriculum in West Virginia, USA.
How can I help my child with Forces and Motion in Science?+
Start with the lesson summary and explanation on this page. Practice the questions provided, then use TutorTom for personalized, step-by-step help with Forces and Motion topics.