Multiple Choice
Which scenario is an example of an unbalanced force acting on an object?
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6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)
Types Of Forces & Free Body Diagrams
Multiple Choice
Which of the following situations is an example of an unbalanced force acting on an object?
A
A tug-of-war ends in a tie with equal pulls on both sides of the rope.
B
A book rests on a table with gravity downward and the normal force upward of equal magnitude.
C
A skydiver falls at terminal velocity with air resistance equal in magnitude to weight.
D
A car accelerates forward because the forward static friction force from the road is greater than the backward resistive forces.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of balanced and unbalanced forces: Balanced forces occur when all forces acting on an object cancel each other out, resulting in no change in the object's motion. Unbalanced forces occur when the net force is not zero, causing the object to accelerate or change its motion.
Analyze the first situation: A tug-of-war ends in a tie with equal pulls on both sides of the rope. Since the forces are equal and opposite, they balance out, so the net force is zero. This is an example of balanced forces.
Analyze the second situation: A book rests on a table with gravity pulling downward and the normal force pushing upward with equal magnitude. These forces balance each other, so the net force is zero, indicating balanced forces.
Analyze the third situation: A skydiver falls at terminal velocity where air resistance equals the weight. The forces are equal and opposite, so the net force is zero, meaning balanced forces and no acceleration.
Analyze the fourth situation: A car accelerates forward because the forward static friction force from the road is greater than the backward resistive forces. Here, the forces are not equal, resulting in a net force forward, which causes acceleration. This is an example of unbalanced forces.
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