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Forces and Motion

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is a force, and what can forces do to objects?

Describe forces as pushes and pulls, identify common forces such as friction, weight and air resistance, and explain what forces can do to an object
A simple answer to the N(T) Science point on forces. Forces as pushes and pulls, common forces like friction, weight and air resistance, and the effects forces have on objects.
8 min answer →

Why does a sharp knife cut more easily than a blunt one, and how does pressure act in liquids and gases?

Define pressure as force divided by area, calculate pressure, and describe pressure in solids, liquids and gases with everyday examples
A practical answer to the N(T) Science point on pressure. How pressure depends on force and area, the pressure formula, and how pressure acts in solids, liquids and gases.
8 min answer →

How do simple machines such as levers make heavy jobs easier?

Describe how levers and other simple machines make work easier, identify the load, effort and pivot, and give everyday examples
A practical answer to the N(T) Science point on simple machines. How levers make work easier, the load, effort and pivot, the moment idea, and everyday examples like a seesaw and a crowbar.
8 min answer →

How do we measure how fast something is moving?

Define speed as distance divided by time, calculate speed, distance or time, and read simple distance-time information
A simple answer to the N(T) Science point on speed. How to calculate speed from distance and time, rearrange the formula for distance or time, and read simple distance-time graphs.
8 min answer →