A balanced force is a force that is opposite in direction and equal in size. When two individual forces are of equal magnitude and opposite direction, then the forces are said to be balanced. Balanced forces are considered to be in a state of equilibrium, and they do not cause any change in the state of motion of an object. For example, a book on a table is an example of a balanced force. The force of the books weight is counteracted by the normal force (support force) of the table. The two forces are completely equal and opposite. Another example of balanced forces can be seen in the game tug-of-war. In this game, the same number of people hold onto each end of a rope. A flag is tied to the center of the rope. Each team pulls on the rope and tries to move the flag to its side. If the forces applied by both teams are equal, the flag will not move because the forces are in opposite directions and balanced.