Hidden forces
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Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Forces, where they explored the basics of contact and non-contact forces and how they affect motion. It deepens their understanding by examining hidden forces, such as turning forces, forces that hold objects on surfaces, and buoyancy, highlighting how these forces interact in everyday situations. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Particle explanations of density and pressure, where they will apply their knowledge to understand how particle behaviour influences density, pressure, and the forces exerted by fluids.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Forces are pushes or pulls.
- Gravity is a force that pulls objects towards the Earth.
- The bigger the force, the greater the change.
- Forces are measure in newtons (N).
- Force arrows show the direction of a force.
- The length of a force arrow shows the size of a force.
- Force arrows are best labelled as the force acting on (object A) by (object b).
- When forces are balanced there is no resultant force.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Forces, where they explored the basics of contact and non-contact forces and how they affect motion. It deepens their understanding by examining hidden forces, such as turning forces, forces that hold objects on surfaces, and buoyancy, highlighting how these forces interact in everyday situations. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Particle explanations of density and pressure, where they will apply their knowledge to understand how particle behaviour influences density, pressure, and the forces exerted by fluids.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Forces are pushes or pulls.
- Gravity is a force that pulls objects towards the Earth.
- The bigger the force, the greater the change.
- Forces are measure in newtons (N).
- Force arrows show the direction of a force.
- The length of a force arrow shows the size of a force.
- Force arrows are best labelled as the force acting on (object A) by (object b).
- When forces are balanced there is no resultant force.
Physics
Hidden forces
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.
10 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Hidden forces unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our secondary science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for secondary science programmes.