Middle School Physical Science: Forces - What is Force? — Flashcards | Middle School Physical Science | FatSkills

Middle School Physical Science: Forces - What is Force? — Flashcards

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Force is an influence that can cause an object to change its velocity, i.e., to accelerate, unless counterbalanced by other forces. The concept of force makes the everyday notion of pushing or pulling mathematically precise.
 

Forces Acting in Opposite Directions:  When two forces act on an object in opposite directions, the net force is equal to the difference between the two forces. The net force is calculated by subtracting the lesser force from the greater force. How opposing forces affect the motion of an object depends on whether the forces are balanced or unbalanced.    
- If opposing forces are balanced, they are equal in strength and the net force is zero. With a net force of zero acting on an object, its motion does not change. If it isn't moving, it remains stationary. If it is moving, its speed and direction do not change.    
- If opposing forces are unbalanced, they are not equal in strength and the net force is greater than zero. With a net force greater than zero acting on an object, its motion changes. If it is stationary, it starts moving. If it is already moving, its speed or direction changes.

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