balanced forces
What balanced forces means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of balanced forces
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain balanced forces in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
When the original forces are balanced the single force replacing them is zero, as for a hailstone at terminal velocity.
Equal and opposite forces along each line, so that the arrows cancel and the resultant force is zero.
A situation where the forces on an object give a resultant force of zero, so acceleration is zero.
Opposing arrows are equal in length, so the forces are balanced and the resultant force is zero.
Forces that are equal in size and opposite in direction, so that the resultant force is zero.
Equal and opposite arrows on the same line, giving a resultant of zero.
Topics that use balanced forces
- Newton's First Law (AQA GCSE)
- Newton's Second Law (AQA GCSE)
- Resultant forces (AQA GCSE)
- Newton's laws (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- Resultant force
- Inertial mass
- constant velocity
- free body diagram
- inertia
- Mass
- Newton's second law
- SI units and unit conversion
Using balanced forces in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge