How Machines Help Us

What You'll Learn

A force is a push or pull that can change an object's motion, shape, or direction. Forces are measured in Newtons and can act through contact or at a distance.

Key Words

power
simple machine

Materials Needed

stopwatch
pencils
toy cars
ramps

Safety First

Do not mix unknown chemicals together.
Tie back long hair before starting the experiment.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read about Forces and write down three key facts.

Step 2 — Do

Set up a pendulum with string and a washer. Change the string length and count swings per minute for each. Graph your results.

Step 3 — Observe

Note any unexpected results and think about why they happened.

Step 4 — Record

Share your findings with the class or a partner and discuss what you learned.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

Which is an example of potential energy?