Grade 5 Science: Forces and Motion Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering forces, motion, gravity, friction, magnetism, and scientific measurement tools.

Gravity

The pulling force that attracts objects toward the ground, making actions like putting a box down easier than lifting it up.

Friction

The resisting force that occurs when two surfaces rub against each other, slowing down moving objects depending on the surface texture.

Magnetism

An attractive force exerted by magnets that can pull certain metals, such as paperclips, even through non-magnetic materials like cardboard.

Pushing force

A force applied to move an object away; when unequal pushing forces are applied from opposing sides, the object moves in the direction of the smaller push.

Trebuchet

A mechanical device that uses a heavy counterweight pulled down by gravity to launch an object on the opposite side across a distance.

Balloon rocket

An experimental setup used to investigate force on objects by releasing air from an inflated balloon to propel it along a guide string.

Testable hypothesis

A proposed explanation or prediction that can be evaluated and proven true or false through scientific experimentation.

Stopwatch

A scientific tool used to measure elapsed time, such as recording how long a cart takes to roll down a textured ramp.

Meter stick

A measuring tool used to determine length or distance, such as how far a ball rolls across various surface textures.