Balanced forces, friction and the push test
Answers are for parents and teachers.
1
Find three things at home that rest without moving. For each, say what two forces are balanced.
Answers differ; gravity down and the surface pushing up, for example for a plate on a table.
2
Slide a small box on two surfaces at home with a grown-up. On which does it go farther? Explain with friction.
It goes farther on the smoother surface, which has less friction.
3
A toy car went 80, 90 and 100 cm in three tries. Find the average.
80 + 90 + 100 = 270, and 270 ÷ 3 = 90 cm.
4
Write one prediction about pushes and a toy car, and say what result would contradict it.
Answers differ. For example: stronger push, farther car; a result where the stronger push went less far would contradict it.
5
Draw a roller coaster and write two questions about its energy.
Answers differ, for example: What makes the train go fast after the top?