Pushes & Pulls
What is a push or pull on an object called?
Force
What happens when a toy car goes down a steeper ramp?
It moves faster or travels farther.
What kind of energy moves when something pushes or pulls?
Mechanical energy
What is a variable?
Something that can change in an experiment.
What tool measures force?
Spring scale
When two equal forces act in opposite directions, what happens to the object?
It stays still (balanced force).
What variable affects how long a pendulum takes to swing?
The length of the string.
What happens when one object hits another?
Energy is transferred from one object to another.
What is a fair test?
An investigation where only one variable changes.
What kind of data do we collect in experiments?
Measurable observations like distance, time, or force.
What happens when one force is stronger than the other?
The object moves in the direction of the stronger force (unbalanced).
What do scientists look for when repeating experiments about motion?
Patterns and relationships.
What is an example of energy transfer in sports?
A bat hitting a ball.
In a ramp test, what is the independent variable if you change the ramp’s height?
The height of the ramp.
What does a line graph or bar graph show?
Patterns and relationships between variables.
A student lifts a heavy box. Why is it easier to put it down than to lift it up?
Gravity helps pull the box down.
What does friction do to the motion of an object?
It slows it down.
How does the amount of force affect energy transfer?
More force = more energy transfer.
What is the dependent variable in a balloon rocket experiment?
The distance the balloon travels.
If your data doesn’t match your hypothesis, what should you do?
Analyze and try again — science is about testing ideas.
Which force pulls all objects toward Earth’s center?
Gravity
What is the relationship between ramp height and distance traveled?
The higher the ramp, the farther the object moves.
What does it mean when energy is “transferred”?
It moves from one object or place to another.
Why do scientists keep all other variables the same?
To make sure results are fair and accurate.
What type of evidence do scientists use to support their conclusions?
Observations and data collected during experiments.