Forces At Work
What is a force?
What is a push or a pull?
What is a magnet?
An object that uses magnetism.
What happens when opposite ends of a magnet face each other?
They attract.
What force pulls objects toward Earth?
Gravity.
A student opens a drawer. What force is being used?
A pull.
Is kicking a soccer ball a push or a pull?
A push.
Name one material that a magnet can attract.
Metals.
What happens when you put the same end of each magnet together?
They push apart, or repel.
What force acts when two surfaces rub against each other?
Friction.
Why does a soccer ball eventually slow down when it rolls across grass?
Friction from the grass slows it down.
What can happen when a force acts on an object?
It can cause motion, change speed, or change direction.
Does a magnet have to touch a paper clip to attract it? Why or why not?
No. Magnetism works over distances.
Name one material that a magnet can attract.
Metal.
Why is it usually harder to slide a box across carpet than across smooth tile?
The carpet creates friction.
How could you make a toy car travel farther down a ramp?
Push the car.
How can pushing a swing change its motion?
It can make the swing move.
A magnet attracts a metal paper clip but not a wooden pencil. Why?
The metal in a paperclip is magnetic, but wood is not.
Can a magnet control a paperclip without touching it? How?
Yes, using magnetic forces.
What happens to a ball when you drop it near Earth's surface?
Gravity pulls it down.
What might happen if you place a magnet near a pile of paper clips? Explain why.
The paper clips may move toward the magnet because the magnetic force attracts them.
A soccer ball is sitting still. What could you do to make it move, and what force would you use?
Kick it with a push.
How could you test whether an unknown object is magnetic?
Use a magnet.
Two magnets push away from each other. What does this tell you about the ends of each magnet?
They are the same end on both magnets and repel each other.
How can friction help a person walking avoid slipping?
Friction from your shoes keeps you from sliding.
A toy car travels farther on smooth floor than on a rough rug. Explain why using forces and motion.
The friction from the rug stops the toy cars motion.