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Year 7 - Science

What forces do

Forces

Unit Summary

This unit focuses on quantifying and comparing energy transfers in different processes, such as motion changes, electrical circuits, and fuel burning. It examines forces as interactions between objects, using diagrams and measurements, including contact and non-contact forces.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe what forces are and what forces do.

Key Notes

  • The motion of faster objects is harder to stop.
  • The motion of heavier objects is harder to stop.
  • Objects with a greater mass need a greater force to start or stop it moving, and to change the direction of motion.
  • A force is a push or a pull.
  • A force is needed to change the motion or shape of an object.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • force: Forces are the pushes and pulls that objects exert on each other.
  • exert: We say that objects exert forces on other objects.
  • speed: The speed of an object is how fast it is going.
  • mass: The mass of an object can be thought of as the amount of material making up the object.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • A moving object has force that keeps it moving, and which runs out when it comes to rest.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

The motion of faster objects is harder to stop. The motion of heavier objects is harder to stop.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'force'

Forces are the pushes and pulls that objects exert on each other. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: A moving object has force that keeps it moving, and which runs out when it comes to rest. Correction: Forces come from other objects. Forces change the motion of objects. Objects slow when forces act opposite to the direction of motion.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 7 Science guide library.