LESSON 7
Friction: A force that resists the movement of an object.
Traction: The friction between two objects that prevents them from sliding across each other.
Lubricant: A substance that reduces friction between surfaces.
Adhesion: The sticking together of two different materials.
Gravity: The force that attracts objects toward each other, e.g., Earth’s gravity pulls objects toward it.
Cohesion: The attraction between molecules or materials of the same type, causing them to stick together.
Drag: The frictional force that slows down an object moving through air or water.
Aerodynamics: The study of how an object’s shape affects its movement through air or water, aiming to reduce drag.
Law of Universal Gravitation: The principle that states objects closer together exert a stronger gravitational pull than those farther apart.
Centripetal Force: A force acting on a body moving in a circular path, directed toward the center.
Terminal Velocity: The maximum speed an object reaches when falling through the atmosphere under the influence of gravity.
Why do you slow down when you hit a dry patch on a water slide?
Because there is less friction when there is no water compared to when water is present, which aids in sliding.
Why does a wet bar of soap slip and a dry one doesn’t?
The wet bar of soap has less friction compared to a dry one, making it slippery.
Why is friction stronger on rough surfaces than on smooth surfaces?
Rough surfaces have more points of contact, leading to greater friction, while smooth surfaces provide less grip.
Why does water decrease friction more than oil?
Water is less viscous than oil, allowing it to flow and reduce friction more effectively.
What do we usually refer to when talking about adhesion?
Sticky substances are typically associated with adhesion.
How does friction work when you rub your hands together?
The harder you rub, the more friction is created, which leads to heat (your hands feel warmer).
Why do you need special boots for rocky hikes?
Special boots provide better grip, reducing the risk of slipping on rocky or uneven surfaces.
What is Cohesion?
Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same material, causing them to stick together.
What is traction?
Traction is the friction between two objects that prevents them from sliding against each other.
If your car is stuck in the mud, is it better to push it out with a group of friends or put sticks and rocks under it?
It's better to put sticks and rocks under the car to provide extra grip and traction.
What do we call sticky items?
Adhesives.
If your car is stuck in the mud, why is it better to put sticks and rocks under it?
Putting sticks and rocks under the car gives it something to grip, helping it gain traction and avoid further slipping.
How do ballerinas not slip while spinning?
The crew puts a sticky, soda-like substance on the stage to increase traction and prevent slipping.
What is the Latin word for fluid?
"Fluo."
Why does water slow you down underwater?
Water exerts friction against you as you move, which slows you down.
What do American football players do when the ball is wet?
They use special gloves made from polymers that increase traction between the ball and their hands when catching it.
Why is it difficult to keep your hand level when you hold it out of a car window?
Because of drag—the resistance created by air as you move the hand through it.
Why are jets, submarines, fish, and birds shaped the way they are?
They are designed to reduce drag and optimize aerodynamics, making movement through air or water more efficient.
LESSON 8
Energy is the ability to do work.
Two main types of energy:
Kinetic Energy – Energy of motion (e.g., running, speaking, machines moving).
Potential Energy – Stored energy waiting to be used (e.g., a stretched rubber band, a battery, food before being eaten).
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed (e.g., chemical energy in food turns into kinetic energy when you move).
Chemical Energy – Stored in food, fuel, and batteries.
Thermal Energy (Heat Energy) – Energy from moving particles (e.g., fire, boiling water).
Mechanical Energy – Energy in moving objects (e.g., running, a rolling ball).
Electrical Energy – Energy from moving electrons (e.g., lightning, circuits).
Sound Energy – Energy that travels in waves through air or water.
Nuclear Energy – Energy stored in atoms, released through nuclear reactions.
Formed from buried plants and animals over thousands of years.
Types:
Coal – Found worldwide, burned to produce electricity.
Oil – Used for fuel, plastics, and products like ink and crayons.
Natural Gas – Used for heating and cooking.
Non-renewable energy: Fossil fuels and nuclear energy (take millions of years to form).
Renewable energy: Continually replenished sources:
Solar Energy – Power from the sun, used in solar panels.
Wind Energy – Uses turbines to generate electricity.
Hydropower – Uses flowing water to turn turbines.
Geothermal Energy – Uses heat from inside the Earth.
Biofuels – Made from plants like corn and sugarcane.
Hydrogen Energy – Can be burned for energy, but hard to extract.
Fossil Fuels – Cause pollution but are currently the most widely used.
Nuclear Energy – Produces a lot of power but creates radioactive waste.
Wind Energy – No pollution but can harm birds and cause noise pollution.
Solar Energy – Clean, but expensive and requires sunlight.
Hydropower – Clean, but can harm aquatic ecosystems.