TEKS & Objectives
8.6 Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that there is a relationship between force, motion, and energy. The student is expected to:
8.6.A demonstrate and calculate how unbalanced forces change the speed or direction of an object’s motion
We will explore forces of motion.
I will test the relationship between an object’s motion and the forces acting on it.
1. Review vocabulary and complete quiz.
Balanced Force When two equal forces act in opposite directions the result is that the forces are balanced and there is no motion.
Unbalanced Force When one force is stronger than the other the result is motion.
Motion Motion is when an object is moving. When an object changes its position, it is moving.
Strength The amount of force that is applied to an object
2. Watch this game of tug-o-war.
Try to answer the next three questions. To see the answers, left click and drag your cursor over the black boxes underneath the questions, highlighting them. You will see the answers appear in white.
- What happens when the forces are balanced?
- There is a stand-still. Neither side moves
- What happens if the forces are unbalanced?
- Both teams move and one team wins
- What causes the forces to be unbalanced?
- In this case, the rope broke. But ususally, one side pulled with a stronger force.
It’s not just in tug of war, but many other instances, unbalanced forces cause a change in motion.
3. Make balloon rockets.
4. Optional: Make and test marshmallow shooters.
- See how accurate you can be.
- Click here for details.
Speaking of balanced and unbalanced forces…
What do you call a pig playing tug-o-war?
Pulled pork
5. “Genius Challenge – Balanced and Unbalanced Forces”
