NIOS Class 10 Science Activity 10.2 Force and Motion

This activity explains the concept of balanced and unbalanced forces through a simple activity. In the previous activity 10.1, we discussed the effect of force. This activity provides you with a complete explanation and conclusion.

 

NIOS Class 10 Science and Technology (212) Project File

This activity is based on the NIOS Class 10 science and technology (212) chapter 10- Force and Motion from module 3- Moving Things.

Aim of the activity

To understand how balanced and unbalanced forces affect the motion of an object

Material Required    

    1. A brick

    2. A smooth table

Procedure

We will perform this activity in the following steps:

(1)      We place a brick on a smooth table and push it towards the left using our right hand. Now, we observe what happens.

(2)      We push the same brick towards the right hand using our left hand. Again, we observe what happens.

(3)      Finally, we push the same brick from both sides at the same time using both hands with equal force. Now we observe what happens this time?

Observation

After the above three steps, we observe:

(1)      In the first step, the brick moves towards the left side.

(2)      In the second case, the brick moves towards the right side of the table.

(3)       And in the third case, the brick does not move.

Explanation

When we push the brick from one side (either from left or right), this causes the brick to move in one direction. This happens because there is no opposing force.  So, the force applied is called an unbalanced force.

When we push the brick from both sides with equal force, the brick does not move. This happens because the forces are acting in opposite directions with equal magnitude. This situation represents a balanced force.

Balanced forces do not cause change in motion, but they can change the shape of an object, just like in Activity 10.1, where the balloon’s shape changed.

Conclusion

This activity demonstrates two types of forces: (1) Balanced force, (2) Unbalanced force.

We can conclude that:

    1. Balanced forces do not change the state of motion or rest. They can change the shape of an object.

    2. Unbalanced forces can change the state of motion, direction, and speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What are balanced forces?

Answer – Equal forces applied in opposite directions on an object are called balanced forces. They do not cause motion.  

    2. What are unbalanced forces?

Answer – Unequal forces applied on an object that cause the object to move in the direction of the larger force are called unbalanced forces.

    3. Can balanced forces change the state of motion?

Answer – No, balanced forces cannot change the state of motion because they cancel each other.

    4.  Can balanced forces change the shape of an object?

Answer- Yes, balanced forces can change the shape of an object.

   5. What happens if two unequal forces are applied in opposite directions?

Answer – The object moves in the direction of the larger force.

   6. What type of changes can be produced by balanced forces?

Answer – Balanced forces can change the shape of an object, but they cannot change the state of motion.