Flowchart
1) Forces are interactions
A force happens when objects interact (touching or at a distance).
2) Pushes and pulls
Forces can push, pull, stretch, squash, or twist objects.
3) Forces can change motion
Forces can start, stop, speed up, slow down, or change direction.
4) Forces can change shape
For example: stretching a spring or squashing a sponge.
Explanation
A force is a push or pull caused by an interaction between objects.
- Contact forces: need touching (friction, air resistance, tension).
- Non-contact forces: act at a distance (gravity, magnetism).
Placeholder for a force diagram tool (arrows + labels).
Examples
Example: Kicking a football
Your foot applies a contact force that changes the ball’s speed and direction.
Practice
Common mistakes
- "Forces only exist when something is moving": forces can act on stationary objects too.
- "Heavier objects fall faster": in a vacuum, objects fall with the same acceleration.
Summary
- Forces come from interactions between objects.
- Forces can change motion and shape.
- Forces can be contact or non-contact.