3rd Grade Science : Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 3rd Grade Science
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Investigate How Balanced Forces Affect An Object's Motion
Does this photo show unbalanced or balanced forces? Explain why.
This photo represents balanced forces because both teams have an equal number of players, and they are of similar size.
The photo represents balanced forces because both sides are balancing carefully while holding the ropes.
The photo represents unbalanced forces because there are more players on one side of the rope than the other.
This photo represents unbalanced forces because the forces are not even on both sides, so there is an unbalance.
This photo represents balanced forces because both teams have an equal number of players, and they are of similar size.
This photo represents a balanced force because each side has an equal number of participants, and they are of similar size. It appears that they are both pulling equally, and they have the same strength. If both sides pull with an equal amount of force, then neither team will move, and it will be a tie.
Example Question #2 : Investigate How Balanced Forces Affect An Object's Motion
What does the term balanced forces mean? Example: James and Noora were both pulling on a tug toy with their dog, and because of balanced forces, neither side was able to move the other!
Two forces are acting in opposite directions on an object, and unequal in size.
Two forces acting in opposite directions on an object, and equal in size.
Two forces are acting in the same direction on an object, and equal in size.
Two forces are acting the same direction on an object, and unequal in size.
Two forces acting in opposite directions on an object, and equal in size.
Balanced forces are two forces acting in opposite directions on an object, and equal in size. In the example, James and Noora have the same force or strength as their dog, so neither side can pull the toy away from the other. If one party were stronger than the other, there would be an unbalanced force, and the stronger team would be able to take the toy away from the weaker side.
Example Question #3 : Investigate How Balanced Forces Affect An Object's Motion
Which direction would this object move with balanced forces working on it?
It would move right.
It would not move.
It would move up.
It would move left.
It would not move.
This object would not move because it has balanced forces working in it. When balanced forces are applied to opposite sides of an object, the object remains motionless. A stronger force needs to be applied to one side for the object to move. Balanced forces mean the power or strength applies to each side is equal.
Example Question #4 : Investigate How Balanced Forces Affect An Object's Motion
This graphic represents a balanced force.
True
False
False
The graphic provided does not represent a balanced force. A balanced force means equal forces are being applied to each side of an object. The arrows would need to be equivalent to represent a balanced force. There is more force being applied in one direction than the other, so the object will move in with force.
Example Question #5 : Investigate How Balanced Forces Affect An Object's Motion
What is the effect of a balanced force on a stationary object's motion?
The object will move in the direction of the weakest force.
The object will move upwards away from the forces.
The object will move in the direction of the strongest force.
There is no effect on the motion.
There is no effect on the motion.
A balanced force means that equal force is being applied to an object on opposite sides. If equal force is being applied, there will be no change in the motion of the object; it will remain stationary. A greater force needs to be applied to one side for movement to take place.
Example Question #3 : Investigate How Balanced Forces Affect An Object's Motion
The groups of people in this photo are both pulling on a rope. Which group will win the tug-of-war game?
The group on the left side will win.
Neither group will win.
The group on the right side will win.
Neither group will win.
This photo represents a balanced force because each side has an equal number of participants, and they are of similar size. It appears that they are both pulling equally, and they have the same strength. If both sides pull with an equal amount of force, then neither team will move, and it will be a tie. In this graphic, neither team will win.
Example Question #1 : Investigate How Balanced Forces Affect An Object's Motion
What does this photo represent in terms of forces?
Balanced forces
Unbalanced forces
Gravitational forces
Static forces
Balanced forces
This photo represents balanced forces. When balanced forces are applied to opposite sides of an object, the object remains motionless. A stronger force needs to be applied to one side for the object to move. Balanced forces mean the power or strength applies to each side is equal.
Example Question #2 : Investigate How Balanced Forces Affect An Object's Motion
How do equal forces on an object affect an object's motion?
Equal forces will cause an object to move quickly to the right.
Equal forces will cause an object to move upwards.
Equal forces will cause an object to move quickly to the left.
Equal forces will cause an object to remain in place.
Equal forces will cause an object to remain in place.
Equal forces are two forces acting in opposite directions on an object, same in strength, and equal in size. If one party is stronger than the other, there would be an unbalanced force. An object will not move if balanced forces are applied to it.
Example Question #1 : Investigate How Balanced Forces Affect An Object's Motion
Which scenario represents an example of balanced forces affecting an object's motion?
Jessica and Fiona each tug a rope on either side. Jessica is eight years old, and Fiona is fifteen.
Bill needed to move his dresser across the room, so he pushed it across the wood floor.
Neil pushed off with his left foot and skated across the ice gracefully.
My two Boston Terrier puppies tug on either side of a stuffed toy all day long!
My two Boston Terrier puppies tug on either side of a stuffed toy all day long!
When balanced forces are applied to opposite sides of an object, the object remains motionless. The example "My two Boston Terrier puppies tug on either side of a stuffed toy all day long!" demonstrates two dogs that are of similar strength and size pulling on opposite sides of the toy. These dogs are applying the same power and force on both sides of the toy, and neither can pull the toy away from the other.
Example Question #5 : Balanced And Unbalanced Forces
This graphic represents an unbalanced force.
False
True
False
This image represents balanced forces. Each person is pushing in opposite directions with equal strength and power. The box will not move because there are balanced, equal forces on both sides.
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