Force Concepts

Primary

1. An object can be moved with a push or pull.
2. The distance of the motion is related to the size of the push or pull.
3. Objects near the Earth fall unless held.
4. Magnets can make some objects move.

Intermediate

1. Force, mass, and movement are related.
2. The greater the force, the greater the change of direction.
3. Friction is a force that can slow an object.
4. The Earth's gravity pulls objects toward the center of the Earth.
5. Magnets push or pull other magnets and objects made from iron or cobalt.
6. Electricity can push and pull other objects.

Middle School

1. An object that is not being subjected to a force will continue to move at a constant speed and in a straight line.
2. If more than one force acts on an object along a straight line, then the forces will reinforce or cancel one another, depending on their direction and magnitude.
3. Unbalanced forces will cause changes in the speed or direction of an object's motion.
4. All objects have a gravitational force that interacts with another objects gravitational force proportional to the masses and distances.
5. Electricity and magnetism can exert a force on each other.

Relative position and motion - see Process skills - relative position and motion .