When two forces are opposite in direction and equal in magnitude, they are called balanced forces. When this happens, the objects upon which the forces are acting is said to be in equilibrium.
Let’s look at an example of how this works. A book sitting on a table is in equilibrium. The force of gravity is pushing the book down on the table and the table is pushing up on the book with the same amount of force. The forces are equal and they are acting in opposite directions. These forces are considered to be balanced forces. When forces are balanced, objects do not move.
Push as hard as you can against a wall. If the wall does not move, then it is pushing back with a force equal in magnitude to your pushing, and in the opposite direction of your push. This is another example of balanced forces.
Decide if the force mentioned is balanced or unbalanced. Click on the force to reveal the answer.
| Force | Answer |
| A vase sitting on top of a table. | Balanced |
| A stroller being pushed across the road. | Unbalanced |
| A snowplow pushing snow. | Unbalanced |
| A chair leaning against a wall. | Balanced |
