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What is a Force?

A force is something like a push or a pull or a twist that will make an object move, change direction or change shape.

Forces acting on objects

Forces acting on objects

  • Sometimes we can see when a force is acting on an object.
    • If an object is still and then starts to move, there is a force making it move.
    • If an object is moving and then stops, there is a force making it stop.
    • If an object is moving and gets faster or slows down, there is a force making it change speed.
Push your rubber

Push your rubber

  • Push your school rubber with your finger across your table.
    • Your pushing force made it move.
Push your rubber 2

Push your rubber 2

  • Now try to push your school rubber with your finger across the carpet.
    • You may notice it was a little harder to move.
      • There is more friction on the carpet.
      • Friction is a force that pushes the other way when something moves.
Jump to other topics
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Year 3: Plants

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Year 3: Animals (Including Humans)

3

Year 3: Rocks

3.1

Rocks on Earth

4

Year 3: Light

5

Year 3: Forces & Magnets

6

Year 4: Living Things & Their Habitats

7

Year 4: Animals, Including Humans

8

Year 4: States of Matter

9

Year 4: Sound

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Year 4: Electricity

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