Investigate how balanced forces affect an object's motion

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3rd Grade Science › Investigate how balanced forces affect an object's motion

Questions 1 - 10
1

The groups of people in this photo are both pulling on a rope. Which group will win the tug-of-war game?

Tug Of War, Force, Teamwork, Men, Rope

The group on the left side will win.

The group on the right side will win.

Neither group will win.

Explanation

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.

2

Which direction would this object move with balanced forces working on it?

Screen shot 2020 06 16 at 10.45.56 am

It would not move.

It would move left.

It would move right.

It would move up.

Explanation

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.

3

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 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 in opposite directions on an object, and unequal in size.

Two forces are acting the same direction on an object, and unequal in size.

Explanation

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.

4

What does this photo represent in terms of forces?

Screen shot 2020 06 16 at 10.45.56 am

Balanced forces

Gravitational forces

Unbalanced forces

Static forces

Explanation

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.

5

How do equal forces on an object affect an object's motion?

Equal forces will cause an object to remain in place.

Equal forces will cause an object to move quickly to the left.

Equal forces will cause an object to move quickly to the right.

Equal forces will cause an object to move upwards.

Explanation

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.

6

What is the effect of a balanced force on a stationary object's motion?

There is no effect on the motion.

The object will move in the direction of the strongest force.

The object will move in the direction of the weakest force.

The object will move upwards away from the forces.

Explanation

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.

7

This graphic represents a balanced force.

Screen shot 2020 06 16 at 10.51.38 am

True

False

Explanation

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.

8

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.

My two Boston Terrier puppies tug on either side of a stuffed toy all day long!

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.

Explanation

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.

9

Does this photo show unbalanced or balanced forces? Explain why.

Tug Of War, Force, Teamwork, Men, Rope

This photo represents balanced forces because both teams have an equal number of players, and they are of similar size.

This photo represents unbalanced forces because the forces are not even on both sides, so there is an unbalance.

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.

Explanation

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.

10

This graphic represents an unbalanced force.

Illustration of Balanced Forces at work

True

False

Explanation

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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