New
New
Year 7

Measuring forces

I can use newton meters to measure forces accurately.

New
New
Year 7

Measuring forces

I can use newton meters to measure forces accurately.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Forces are measured with a newton meter.
  2. Forces are measure in newtons (N).
  3. With no force, newton meters need to be adjusted to zero.
  4. Newton meters should be selected by considering the scale.
  5. Repeat readings help check for mistakes.

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.

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.

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

  • Equipment requiring safe usage.

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Video

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6 Questions

Q1.
To stretch a spring further, __________ force is needed.
Correct answer: a greater
a smaller
the same
Q2.
What unit are forces measured in?
metres
seconds
Correct answer: newtons
kilograms
amps
Q3.
Select the different names this piece of equipment can be called.
An image in a quiz
energy meter
Correct answer: force meter
Correct answer: newton meter
stretch meter
Q4.
Starting with the smallest force, put these forces in order of size.
1 - The force needed to lift an apple.
2 - The force needed to push a go-kart along a smooth path.
3 - The gravitational force of Earth on a person.
4 - The driving force provided by a jet engine on a jumbo jet.
5 - The gravitational force of Earth on the moon.
Q5.
Which of the following forces would not be easily measured by a force meter?
An image in a quiz
tension
weight
Correct answer: electromagnetic
friction
Q6.
What interval does this scale go up in steps of?
An image in a quiz
0.1 N
Correct answer: 0.2 N
0.25 N
0.4 N
0.5 N
Q6 UYSEG

6 Questions

Q1.
To measure the size of a force, you can use a meter.
Correct Answer: newton, force
Q2.
Which gives the correct ways of writing the unit forces are measured in?
newtons (n)
Correct answer: newtons (N)
Newtons (n)
Newtons (N)
Q3.
What does this newton meter read?
An image in a quiz
3.1 N
Correct answer: 3.5 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.
Correct answer: Take repeat readings to check for mistakes.
Correct answer: Check the newton meter reads zero with no force applied (check for a zero error)
Use a newton meter with the biggest possible range.
Q5.
What does this newton meter read?
An image in a quiz
8.3 N
Correct answer: 8.6 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?
An image in a quiz
A zero error, all measurements are too high. Use the adjustment screw.
A zero error, all measurements are too low. Use the adjustment screw.
Correct answer: The force applied is beyond the range. Use a newton meter with a greater range.
The scale interval is too big. Use a newton meter with a smaller scale interval.
Q3 UYSEG Q5 UYSEG Q6 UYSEG

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