Unbalanced Force: Simple Definition + Examples in Daily Life

One table is lying on a floor, initially in rest condition. And you want to change the table’s position.

How will you change the position of a table? Will the table move on its own?

The answer is NO.

To move the table, some amount of force must be applied to it.

Here, a man is applying some force on the table which causes a change in its position.

This type of force is known as an unbalanced force.

So, what is an unbalanced force?

Here you’ll understand the exact meaning of unbalanced force with Real Life examples.

Let’s get started with the definition.

Unbalanced Force Definition

From the name itself, the meaning of unbalanced force can be understood.

Simply, unbalanced force means unequal force.

In physics, the definition of unbalanced force can be stated as:

“A force that causes a change in motion of a body is known as an Unbalanced Force“

For proper understanding, let’s consider some examples.

Unbalanced Force Examples in Daily Life

Here’s a list of examples of unbalanced force in Daily Life:

• Kicking a football

• Pulling a heavy luggage

• Sitting on a seesaw

• Book sliding from a slant surface

• Accelerating a car forward

• Pushing a block with hand

• Placing a weight on beam balance

• And more…

Let’s understand each one of these examples with pictures. (So you’ll get a clear idea)

#1 Kicking a football

One football is lying on the ground, initially in rest condition. And you want to change the football’s position.

How will you change the position of football? Will a football move on its own?

The answer is NO.

To move a football, some amount of force must be applied to it.

Here, a boy is applying some force on the football which causes a change in its position.

This type of force is known as an Unbalanced Force.

#2 Moving a heavy trolley

One trolley is having some heavy luggage, initially in rest condition. And you want to change the trolley’s position.

How will you change the position of trolley? Will a trolley move on its own?

The answer is NO.

To move a trolley, some amount of force must be applied to it.

Here, a man is applying some force on the trolley which causes a change in its position.

This type of force is known as an Unbalanced Force.

#3 Sitting on a seesaw

Consider one seesaw in a garden, initially in a balanced condition.

(i.e., The upward and downward force acting on a seesaw is equal)

Now when two kids sit on a seesaw, it will become unbalanced.

The reason why a seesaw becomes unbalanced is because of an Unbalanced Force.

(i.e., The upward and downward force acting on a seesaw is not equal)

#4 Book sliding from a slant surface

Consider one book placed on a flat surface, initially in rest condition.

When a book is placed on a flat surface, a book is balanced by upward and downward force.

Now when a book is placed on a slant surface, a book begins to slide forward.

The reason why a book begins to slide from a slant surface is because of an Unbalanced Force.

(i.e., The upward and downward force acting on a book is not equal)

#5 Accelerating a car forward

One car is parked on a road, initially in rest condition. And you want to change the car’s position.

How will you change the position of a car? Will a car move on its own?

The answer is NO.

To move a car, some amount of force must be applied to it.

Here, a driver is applying some force on the car which causes a change in its position.

This type of force is known as an Unbalanced Force.

#6 Pushing a block with hand

Consider some wooden blocks placed in a horizontal line.

Initially all the wooden blocks are in a rest condition.

When some force is applied on the wooden blocks, they start falling one by one.

This type of force is known as an Unbalanced Force. (Because, this force makes the wooden blocks move from rest)

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There are so many other examples of unbalanced force that we are experiencing in our daily life.

Summary

From the above examples, one thing is understood.

If a force acting on an object changes the motion of an object, then a force is said to be an unbalanced force.

That’s how you can easily remember the definition of unbalanced force:

“A force that causes a change in motion of a body is known as an Unbalanced Force“

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What do you think, is it easy for you to understand this concept of unbalanced force?

(Let me know in the comments below)

Related:

• What is Force?

• Different Types of Forces

• Balanced Force

• Difference between Balanced and Unbalanced Force