The worksheet you've shared is about
balanced and unbalanced forces, a concept in physics typically taught to students in Grade 3. Let's go through the task and provide a clear explanation of the solution.
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🔍 Understanding the Concept
Key Idea:
> "There is almost always more than one force acting on something. If the forces on an object are *unbalanced*, or not the same, it will change shape, move, or stop."
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Unbalanced forces: When forces acting on an object are not equal in size or direction, the object will
move or
change shape.
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Balanced forces: When forces are equal and opposite, they cancel each other out. The object stays at rest or moves at a constant speed (no change).
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🧪 Try This: Experiment with Forces
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Part 1: Pushing a book with one hand
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Instructions: Put a book on a table. With one hand, push the book a little bit. What happens?
✔ Answer:
The book will
move in the direction you pushed it.
🔹
Why?
You applied a force with one hand, but there was no equal opposing force from the other side. This creates an
unbalanced force, so the book accelerates (starts moving).
>
✔ Example answer to write:
> *"The book slides across the table because I pushed it with one hand, and there’s no equal force pushing back. The forces are unbalanced, so the book moves."*
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Part 2: Pushing the book with both hands equally
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Instructions: Now put one hand on each side of the book. Push with both hands toward the middle. Try to put equal force on the book with each hand. What happens?
✔ Answer:
The book
does not move (or stays in place), even though you're pushing.
🔹
Why?
You're applying
equal and opposite forces on both sides. These forces are
balanced — they cancel each other out. So, the net force is zero, and the book remains stationary.
>
✔ Example answer to write:
> *"The book doesn’t move because I’m pushing equally from both sides. The forces are balanced, so there is no change in motion."*
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✔ Summary
| Situation | Force Type | Result |
|--------|------------|--------|
| One hand pushes | Unbalanced | Book moves |
| Two hands push equally | Balanced | Book stays still |
This demonstrates how
balanced forces keep objects at rest, while
unbalanced forces cause motion.
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📝 Final Answer for Worksheet:
First question:
*The book moves across the table because the force from one hand is greater than any opposing force, making the forces unbalanced.*
Second question:
*The book does not move because the forces from both hands are equal and opposite, so they balance each other out.*
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Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of balanced unbalanced forces worksheet.