Forces
In Unit 2 on Forces, students explore the nature of force.
They learn what the word “force” means (and how it differs from
the colloquial use of the word), and how to identify all the
forces acting on an object. They learn that when two objects
interact, they always exert equal and opposite forces on each
other (Newton's 3rd Laws).
With an understanding of the meaning of the word “force,”
students then discover how forces affect motion. They learn that
a constant net force causes an object to uniformly accelerate,
and that an object subject to zero net force will remain in the
same state of motion - either at rest or at constant speed in a
straight line.
Students also explore the vector nature of force, and learn
how to find the net force acting on an object subject to forces
in multiple directions. They then apply everything they have
learned to solve problems in with they either predict the motion
of an object subject to given forces, or solve for the missing
force on an object in equilibrium.
Critical Questions:
- What is a force?
- What effect does a force have on the motion of an object?
- Why do we say that forces are vectors?
Suggested Time Frame: 4 Weeks
