[Force] [Magnets] [Friction] [Gravity and Upthrust]
A force is any kind of PUSH or PULL.
Examples of actions that need a force:
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Forces are needed to do the following:
- to start and stop objects moving
- to make objects change direction
- to make objects change shape
Forces cause movement
Forces work in pairs
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If the two pulling forces are equal the teams do not move
When one force is greater the teams move towards the larger force |
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Equal forces = no change in movement Unequal forces = movement |
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The unit of force is the newton (N).
Forces can be measured using a spring balance
 Using a spring balance to measure the pull of gravity |
(A spring balance is sometimes called a force meter or Newton meter)
Types of Force
Some forces have special names:
- Magnetism: The pull or push produced by a magnet
- Gravity: The force that gives us weight. Gravity always pulls downwards
- Friction: A force that slows things down
- Upthrust: A force that makes things float
(click on each force to find out more about it)