Balanced forces may………. A body.

Options

A. move
B. accelerated
C. retard
D. deform

Explanation

To answer the question "Balanced forces may………. A body," we need to analyze the effects of balanced forces on a body. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand Balanced Forces
Balanced forces are forces that are equal in size but opposite in direction. When balanced forces act on a body, they do not cause any change in the state of motion of that body.

**Hint:** Remember that balanced forces result in a net force of zero.

### Step 2: Analyze the Effects of Balanced Forces
When balanced forces act on a body, the following can occur:
- If the body is at rest, it will remain at rest.
- If the body is in motion, it will continue to move at a constant velocity (same speed and direction).

**Hint:** Think about Newton's First Law of Motion, which states that an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion continues in motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

### Step 3: Consider the Options
Now, let's evaluate the possible outcomes for the blank:
1. **Move a body:** This is incorrect because balanced forces do not cause motion.
2. **Accelerate a body:** This is also incorrect because balanced forces result in zero acceleration.
3. **Retard a body:** This is incorrect as well; balanced forces do not cause deceleration.
4. **Deform a body:** This is correct. While balanced forces do not change the motion, they can cause deformation if the body is not perfectly rigid.

**Hint:** Focus on the physical properties of materials and how they respond to force.

### Step 4: Conclusion
The correct phrase to fill in the blank is "deform a body." Thus, the complete statement reads: "Balanced forces may deform a body."

**Final Answer:** Balanced forces may deform a body.