A gravitational force acts on any object inside a gravitational field.

When an object rests on a surface, there will be a normal reaction force acting on it.

Materials are elastic if they return to their original shape when forces are removed from them.

The force between two electrically charged particles is an electrostatic force.

The force of a floor

Science

In the Particle explanations of density and pressure unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to learn how the arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases explain density, pressure, floating and convection.

In the Forces unit, pupils learnt how to accurately describe and explain the actions of forces in a range of situations.

This unit explores forces, deformation, Hooke’s Law, moments, and work done. It covers pressure in liquids, atmospheric pressure, upthrust, and equilibrium, as well as simple machines and force-extension relationships, highlighting how forces affect motion, friction, and object deformation.

Hidden forces

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

a material that returns to its original shape when forces are removed

a force that acts on any object in a gravitational field

a force that acts upwards when an object rests on a surface

a force that acts between electrically charged particles

Match the key words with the descriptions.

The upwards force on the mass is equal and opposite to the downwards force.

The downwards force less than the upwards force.

Izzy holds a mass stationary in her hand. Which statements are correct?

What happens to the size of the electrostatic forces between two surfaces when they are pushed closer together?

The plank does not bend because it is solid.

The plank will bend slightly as they cross.

The heavier the pupil, the more the plank will bend.

The bridge will bend by the same amount for each pupil.

Some pupils use a plank of wood to build a bridge across a ditch. They walk across the plank one at a time to get to the other side. What happens to the wooden plank as they walk across?

When the atoms are too close together the forces pull the atoms together.

When the atoms are too close together the forces push the atoms apart.

When the atoms are a little bit too far apart the forces push the atoms apart.

When the atoms are a little bit too far apart the forces pull atoms together.

How do the forces between atoms in solids operate?

The size of force pushing down on the surface increases.

The size of force the surface pushes up with remains the same.

The atoms in the surface are pushed closer together and repel each other more.

The atoms in the surface are pulled further apart and repel each other less.

The surface produces a larger upwards force.

A 5 kg mass is placed on a solid surface. What happens when a second identical mass is placed on top of the first?

Which word is used to describe the downwards force of an object on a surface it is resting on?

Which of the following affects the amount of weight of an object on a surface?

What word is used to describe a material that returns to its original shape when the forces acting on it are removed?

What type of electric charge do electrons carry?

What type of force acts between two objects that are electrically charged?

a small, negatively charged nucleus containing protons and neutrons

a small, positively charged nucleus containing protons and neutrons

a small, nucleus (with no charge) containing protons and electrons

negatively charged protons surrounding a nucleus

negatively charged electrons surrounding a nucleus

Which of the following correctly describe the structure of an atom?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

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