Year 7 | Physics

Force

A push, pull, or twist that can change the movement or shape of an object.

Newton (N)

The unit of measurement for force.

Balanced Forces

Two forces acting in opposite directions with equal strength, resulting in no change in motion.

Unbalanced Forces

Two forces acting in opposite directions with unequal strength, resulting in a change in motion.

Friction

A contact force that acts to slow two objects down when in contact with each other.

Resultant Force

The total amount of force in a net force diagram, calculated after considering all acting forces.

Net Force Diagram

A diagram showing forces acting on an object using arrows to indicate direction and magnitude.

Simple Machines

Devices that reduce the amount of work needed and provide mechanical advantage.

Pulley

A simple machine that changes the direction of a force and makes lifting easier.

Lever

A simple machine that amplifies a force to lift or move an object.

Inclined Plane

A flat surface tilted at an angle to help lift objects with less force.

Weight

The effect of gravity on an object, varying with location.

Mass

The amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms (kg), grams (g), etc.

Gravity

A pulling force of attraction between two masses.

Contact Force

A force that occurs when two objects touch each other.

Non-contact Force

A force that acts at a distance, such as gravity. Non-touching.

Air Resistance

A type of friction acting against the movement of objects through air.

Spring Balance

A device used to measure force in Newtons.

Gravity Acceleration Rate

9.8 meters per second squared (m/s²)