We experience and use forces every day. The way that all objects move depends on what forces are acting on them.
Some forces can only act when they touch the object such as friction whereas others can act at a distance without touching the object, like gravity.
Some forces are of a great help to us. We will be unable to walk if there is no friction. Yet others such as air resistance can be a hindrance rather than a help.
Even objects that do not move have forces acting on them because the forces on the object are balanced.
So which of these forces can be great fun or can cause damage? How are they measured?
I can identify changes that take place when particular forces are acting.
I can predict the effect of unbalanced forces.
I can describe how technological developments have reduced impact forces in car safety features and footwear design.
I can analyse situations where friction opposes motion and produces heat.
I can investigate factors that influence the size and effect of friction.
I can use the term ‘field’ in describing forces acting at a distance.
I can identify that gravity pulls objects towards the center of the Earth.
I can describe situations where gravity acts as an unbalanced force.
I can distinguish between the terms ‘mass’ and ‘weight’.
I can describe what happens when magnets are brought close together.
I can investigate how magnets and electromagnets are used.
I can describe ways in which objects become charged.
I can describe how charged objects behave when brought close to each other.
I can investigate situations where the effects of electrostatic forces can be observed such as lightning strikes.
Outcome
describes the action of unbalanced forces in everyday situations SC4‑10PW
PW1 Change to an object's motion is caused by unbalanced forces acting on the object. (ACSSU117)
Students:
a. identify changes that take place when particular forces are acting
b. predict the effect of unbalanced forces acting in everyday situations
c. describe some examples of technological developments that have contributed to finding solutions to reduce the impact of forces in everyday life, eg car safety equipment and footwear design
d. analyse some everyday common situations where friction operates to oppose motion and produce heat
e. investigate factors that influence the size and effect of frictional forces
PW2 The action of forces that act at a distance may be observed and related to everyday situations.
Students:
a. use the term 'field' in describing forces acting at a distance
b. identify ways in which objects acquire electrostatic charge
c. describe the behaviour of charged objects when they are brought close to each other
d. investigate everyday situations where the effects of electrostatic forces can be observed, eg lightning strikes during severe weather and dust storms
e. identify that the Earth's gravity pulls objects towards the centre of the Earth (ACSSU118)
f. describe everyday situations where gravity acts as an unbalanced force
g. distinguish between the terms 'mass' and 'weight'
h. describe the behaviour of magnetic poles when they are brought close together
i. investigate how magnets and electromagnets are used in some everyday devices or technologies used in everyday life
Additional content
Students:
Investigate characteristics of specific forces in terms of size and direction
Trace the history of pendulum-motion studies and its connection with timekeeping and setting standards of length research current ideas about the Earth's magnetic field and its effects