Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Physical Science to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.
Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Physical Science to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.
Balanced forces occur when two forces acting on an object are equal in size but opposite in direction. This results in no change in the object's motion.
Key characteristics:
Equal in size.
Opposite in direction.
No change in motion.
Unbalanced forces occur when the forces acting on an object are not equal, resulting in a change in the object's motion. This can cause the object to start moving, stop moving, or change direction.
Key characteristics:
Unequal in size or not directly opposite.
Cause a change in motion (speed up, slow down, or change direction).
Students observe that a toy car rolls down a ramp and travels different distances depending on the surface it rolls onto (e.g., tile, carpet, sandpaper). This helps them explore how unbalanced forces (like friction) affect motion.
Table 1.
Surface Type | Distance Traveled (cm) | Observation of Motion | Balanced or Unbalanced Force? |
|---|---|---|---|
Tile Floor | 120 cm | Rolled smoothly | Mostly balanced |
Carpet | 65 cm | Slowed quickly | Unbalanced (more friction) |
Sandpaper | 40 cm | Stopped quickly | Strong unbalanced friction |
Using the reading, explain how balanced forces affect the motion of an object.
Which statement best describes an unbalanced force?
Using the examples in the reading, describe one situation where forces are balanced and one where forces are unbalanced.
How does the toy car investigation show that work done by friction changes the energy of the moving car?
Using the tug-of-war examples, explain how forces between interacting objects affect whether motion changes.
A student claims: “Unbalanced forces, such as friction, change the motion of an object and reduce how far it travels.” Do you agree or disagree? Use evidence from the investigation to support your answer.
Claim:
Evidence:
Reasoning: