Unbalanced forces act on an object when the net force acting on that object is not zero. This usually occurs when the forces acting on the object are not equal in size and/or direction.
Let's analyze the options:
a. Two people stand on opposite sides of a large tire. Both people pull the tire with equal force.
- This results in balanced forces because the forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, resulting in no net force on the tire.
b. Two people stand on the same side of a large tire. Both people pull the tire with equal force.
- This also results in balanced forces, as the net force remains zero.
c. Two people stand on the same side of a large tire. One person pushes the tire and the other pulls the tire with equal force.
- This results in unbalanced forces because one person is applying a force in one direction (pushing) while the other is applying a force in the opposite direction (pulling), resulting in a net force.
d. Two people stand on opposite sides of a large tire. Both people push the tire with equal force.
- Similar to option A, this results in balanced forces, as the push forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
Therefore, the situation where unbalanced forces are acting on an object is c.