Unbalanced Force Examples in Daily Life

Unbalanced Force Examples

A force that causes a change in motion of an object is known as an unbalanced force.

In case of unbalanced force, the forces acting on an object do not balance each other. Hence, an object is not in equilibrium condition. (i.e., Object will accelerate)

Here are some examples of unbalanced force in daily life:

  • #1 Force that makes a seesaw move up and down
  • #2 Force that makes a book slide on the slant surface
  • #3 Force that makes a wooden block move on pushing with hand 
  • #4 Force that makes a football move when kicked with leg
  • #5 Force that makes a heavy snowmobile move from rest
  • #6 Force that makes a car accelerate forward

Let’s one by one discuss the above mentioned examples in detail.

#1 Force that makes a seesaw move up and down

Unbalanced Force Example - Seesaw

If you have gone in the garden, then you have definitely seen a seesaw. But do you know how an unbalanced force acts on a seesaw?

Don’t worry, I’ll explain.

Simply think, what happens when we put two different weights on either side of the seesaw? Two different forces will act on the seesaw from both sides, and on whichever side there is more weight, the seesaw will bend on that side, right.

Here also the same thing is happening. Three people are sitting on the seesaw, two on one side and the other one on the second side. People on both sides have different weights, and so the two different forces will act on the seesaw.

The one side of the seesaw on which there is more weight, experiences more force as compared to the other side. And because of these two different forces acting on the seesaw, the seesaw moves up and down.

So this thing indicates that there is an unbalanced force acting on a seesaw. (Because you know that… in case of unbalanced force, an object do not remain in equilibrium condition)

Therefore, if the seesaw moves up and down then assume that this is happening due to an unbalanced force.

#2 Force that makes a book slide on the slant surface

Unbalanced Force Example - Book

You have seen that… when a book is placed on the slant surface, it begins to slide downwards. Do you know this thing happens due to an unbalanced force?

If a book is placed on the flat surface, at that time it is balanced by upward and downward force. Which means that the forces acting on the book are having the equal magnitude and are acting in the opposite direction.

But when a book is placed on the slant surface, at that time there are unequal forces acting on it, due to which it starts to slide downwards.

And you know that… if the force is acting on an object, and this force makes an object move… then this type of force is known as an unbalanced force.

Therefore, when a book is placed on the slant surface and it begins to slide downwards, then assume that there is an unbalanced force acting on a book.

#3 Force that makes a wooden block move on pushing with hand

Unbalanced Force Example - Wooden Blocks

If you push a wooden block with your hand, then will it move forward? If yes, then we can assume that there is an unbalanced force acting on a wooden block. Do you know how? Let’s see.

Suppose that there are some wooden blocks resting on the floor. Initially, these wooden blocks are balanced by upward and downward forces. So they are not moving.

Now if you apply some force on a wooden block with your finger, then you’ll notice that… wooden block will slightly move forward.

This thing indicates that there is an unbalanced force acting on a wooden block.

Because the definition of unbalanced force itself says that… if an object experiences the force which makes it move forward, then this force is known as an unbalanced force.

#4 Force that makes a football move when kicked with leg

Unbalanced Force Example - Football

I think you love to watch football matches. You may have already watched the football match, but do you know, when a football is kicked with the leg, at that time there is an unbalanced force acting on the football?

Okay, you already know this… why does the football move forward, when it is kicked with the leg, right? Both questions have the one answer: unbalanced force.

When the football is kicked with the leg, at that time there is an unbalanced force acting on the football. This unbalanced force makes the football move from rest.

Remember the definition, if the force is acting on an object, and this force makes an object move… then this type of force is known as an unbalanced force.

Therefore, when a football is kicked with the leg, at that time there is an unbalanced force acting on the football.

#5 Force that makes a heavy snowmobile move from rest

Unbalanced Force Example - Snowmobile

When a heavy snowmobile is pushed or pulled with the hand, then can we say that there is balanced force acting on a snowmobile?

If your answer is Yes, then you are wrong. Because in case of balanced force… objects do not accelerate.

Yes if a snowmobile is at a rest position, then it is right to say that there is balanced force acting on it. Because, a snowmobile is balanced by the upward force (normal force) and the downward force (gravity force).

But here, when a snowmobile is pushed or pulled with the hand, at that time the snowmobile is moving forward. So there is an unbalanced force acting on the snowmobile.

(Because, you know that… when unbalanced force acts on an object, then this force will definitely make that object accelerate forward)

#6 Force that makes a car accelerate forward

Unbalanced Force Example - Car

Does the car experience the unbalanced force, when it starts? Yes, only if the car accelerates forward. Otherwise No.

Because, it is the unbalanced force only that helps the car move forward. Before a car is started, the car is in a rest position and is balanced by the upward and downward forces.

But when the car is started, at that time the engine of the car exerts the force on the car due to which it accelerates forward.

Then, can this type of force (which helps the car accelerate forward) be called an unbalanced force or not?

(If the force is acting on an object, and this force makes an object move… then this type of force is known as an unbalanced force)

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