Define the scientific meaning of the word “force”
A force is a push,pull or twist
Explain why forces can be categorised as direct / contact or indirect/non-contact.
Forces are either direct (contact) or indirect (non-contact). Direct forces, like friction, need physical contact, while indirect forces, like gravity, act at a distance without touching objects.
Define balanced and unbalanced forces
Balanced forces cancel each other out, keeping an object’s motion steady. Unbalanced forces cause an object to accelerate in the direction of the stronger force.
Interia
Inertia is when an object keeps doing what it’s doing, like staying still or moving, until something pushes or pulls it.
Compare the particles within an atom and their properties.
Electrons have a negative charge, protons have a positive charge, and neutrons have no charge. Protons and neutrons are in the nucleus, and electrons move around it.
Describe how objects with like and unlike charges react when they are brought close to each other.
Objects with like charges (both positive or both negative) repel each other, meaning they push away when brought close. Objects with unlike charges (one positive and one negative) attract each other, meaning they pull toward each other.
Define weight force as the mass × the acceleration due to gravity (g) (Fw=mg)
Weight force is the force exerted by gravity on an object, calculated by multiplying the object’s mass (m) by the acceleration due to gravity (g).
Use Newton’s law of universal gravitation to discuss the factors that affect the force of gravity
- Mass of the objects
- Distance between objects
- Gravitational constant:
Use forces and Newton’s laws to explain the motion of objects in orbit
The Moon’s orbit follows Newton’s laws: The First Law says objects keep moving until a force acts, the Second Law says gravity pulls the Moon, and the Third Law says Earth and the Moon pull equally, but Earth doesn’t move much.
Describe the behaviour of magnets as they are brought close to each other
When magnets are brought close to each other, like poles (e.g., north-north or south-south) repel, pushing each other away. Unlike poles (north-south) attract, pulling the magnets together.
Define the term field and use it to explain the observed behaviour of magnets
A field is an invisible area where forces can affect objects. For magnets, the magnetic field around them causes opposite poles to attract and like poles to repel.
Investigate examples of forces and magnetism in familiar contexts
- Fridge Magnets
- Compass
- Magnet in Electronics
Constant Speed
- Car driving on a highway at 60km/hr
- A parked car in a parking spot
- A book lying on a table
Acceleration
A ball rolling down a hill.
A bike speeding up when you pedal harder.
A person jumping off a step.
