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Lesson 3 of 10
Lesson 3 of 10
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Measuring forces
I can use newton meters to measure forces accurately.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Forces are measured with a newton meter.
- Forces are measure in newtons (N).
- With no force, newton meters need to be adjusted to zero.
- Newton meters should be selected by considering the scale.
- Repeat readings help check for mistakes.
Keywords
Newton (N) - The size of a force is measured in units called newtons (N).
Newton meter - The size of a force can be measured with a newton meter.
Scale - A scale is a line on which different positions are marked.
Accurate - Results are accurate if they are close to the true value of what is being measured.
Zero error - A zero error is when a measuring device should read zero but doesn’t.
Common misconception
Pupils are often unable to match their experience of different forces with forces in newtons.
Pupils are provided with opportunity to both measure and describe a range of forces.
Parts of the explanations and checks for understanding on reading scales could be best demonstrated using a visualiser (camera) and one of your school's newton meters, so the equipment used during instruction matches what the students will use.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.To stretch a spring further, __________ force is needed.
To stretch a spring further, __________ force is needed.
a smaller
the same
Q2.What unit are forces measured in?
What unit are forces measured in?
metres
seconds
kilograms
amps
Q3.Select the different names this piece of equipment can be called.
Select the different names this piece of equipment can be called.
energy meter
stretch meter
Q4.Starting with the smallest force, put these forces in order of size.
Starting with the smallest force, put these forces in order of size.
Q5.Which of the following forces would not be easily measured by a force meter?
Which of the following forces would not be easily measured by a force meter?
tension
weight
friction
Q6.What interval does this scale go up in steps of?
What interval does this scale go up in steps of?
0.1 N
0.25 N
0.4 N
0.5 N
Assessment exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.To measure the size of a force, you can use a meter.
To measure the size of a force, you can use a meter.
Q2.Which gives the correct ways of writing the unit forces are measured in?
Which gives the correct ways of writing the unit forces are measured in?
newtons (n)
Newtons (n)
Newtons (N)
Q3.What does this newton meter read?
What does this newton meter read?
3.1 N
3.7 N
4.0 N
Q4.Which of the below are ways to read a newton meter more accurately? Tick as many as you think.
Which of the below are ways to read a newton meter more accurately? Tick as many as you think.
Use a newton meter with the biggest possible range.
Q5.What does this newton meter read?
What does this newton meter read?
8.3 N
8.7 N
8.8 N
9.0 N
Q6.This newton meter has masses attached, applying a force. What is the issue and how should it be solved?
This newton meter has masses attached, applying a force. What is the issue and how should it be solved?
A zero error, all measurements are too high. Use the adjustment screw.
A zero error, all measurements are too low. Use the adjustment screw.
The scale interval is too big. Use a newton meter with a smaller scale interval.