What is a force?
A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects speed up, slow down, change direction or change shape.
What is a force?Watch a video on forces and see what they are and what they can do.
What is a force?Forces explained with diagrams.
Push & Pull BlocksPush and pull the blocks.
Friction
The force between two surfaces is called friction. Friction works in the opposite direction and always slows the moving object down.
There is friction is between a car and the road. The rough surface of the road helps the car stop easily and gives it grip when moving.
Rough bumpy surfaces create a lot of friction. Smooth, flat surfaces create very little friction.
There is friction is between ice skates and the ice. The smooth surface doesn't make it easy to stop and it's easy to slide around on the ice.
Because we understand friction we can use friction to help us. We can add grip to the soles of our shoes to stop us from slipping over on smooth surfaces. Or fancy a bit of fun? We can make skis really smooth so it moves quickly over the snow.
Friction can produce heat. Rub your hands together, can you feel the heat between your hands? This is how a match works. The friction between a match and the rough surface on the matchbox creates heat and lights the match. *Do not try this at home without an adult.
Magnets
Magnetic forces are forces that a made using a magnet. These don't need to touch objects for it to cause a force, the magnet can either push or pull using a magnetic force.
Magnetic ForcesWhen two magnets are close, they create pushing or pulling forces on one another. Watch the video to find out about North & South poles
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