Which example shows an object acted on by two balanced forces? (1 point)
A. A baseball rolling to a stop
B. A car moving at a constant speed in a constant direction
C. A snowflake landing on a roof
D. A skateboard rolling down a hill with increasing speed
B. A car moving at a constant speed in a constant direction.
The example that shows an object acted on by two balanced forces is:
B. A car moving at a constant speed in a constant direction.
To determine which example shows an object acted on by two balanced forces, we need to understand what balanced forces are. Balanced forces occur when the forces acting on an object cancel each other out, resulting in no net force and therefore no change in motion.
Let's analyze each option:
A. A baseball rolling to a stop: In this case, the force of friction is acting in the opposite direction to the motion of the baseball, gradually slowing it down. Thus, the forces are not balanced.
B. A car moving at a constant speed in a constant direction: If a car is moving at a constant speed in a constant direction, it means that the forces acting on the car are balanced. The force pushing the car forward is equal to the forces resisting its motion (such as friction and air resistance), resulting in no acceleration or change in speed.
C. A snowflake landing on a roof: When a snowflake lands on a roof, the force of gravity acts on the snowflake, pulling it down. In order for the forces to be balanced, another force of equal magnitude should act in the opposite direction, but this is not the case. So, the forces are not balanced.
D. A skateboard rolling down a hill with increasing speed: When a skateboard rolls down a hill with increasing speed, the force of gravity is acting on the skateboard, pulling it down the slope. Additionally, there might be a force pushing or propelling the skateboard downhill, such as a person pushing it. The forces are not balanced because the force pushing the skateboard downhill is greater than the opposing force of friction.
Based on the analysis, the example that shows an object acted on by two balanced forces is option B: a car moving at a constant speed in a constant direction.