A force arrow is an arrow drawn to represent a force acting.

The size of a force means its strength, this is represented by the length of a force arrow.

A force arrow must point in the same direction as the force it is representing.

Using force arrows

Science

In the Hidden forces unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn about turning forces, forces that hold objects on a surface, and those that make some objects float.

In primary science, pupils learnt that air resistance, water resistance and friction push back against moving objects. 

Forces

The size of a force is shown by the {{}} of a force arrow. (one word)

The ball is being thrown forwards. Which force arrow has been drawn in the correct direction to show the force of the hands on the ball?

the friction force of the ice on the puck

the friction force of the puck on the ice

An ice hockey puck is sliding along ice. What is the best phrase to describe the force that slows down the puck?

Which arrow has been correctly placed to show the force of the racket on the ball?

Which arrow has been correctly placed to show the gravitational force of Earth on the ball?

A force of 300 N is drawn 3 cm long. On the same diagram there is a also a force of 1200 N acting. How long should this force be drawn?

We do not draw anything to represent forces.

Forces (pushes and pulls) cannot be seen. So how do we represent forces in diagrams?

{{}} arrows are used to represent forces in diagrams.

What is needed to draw straight lines of a set length?

If a 5 N force was drawn 5 cm long, how would you draw a 10 N force?

pointing in the opposite direction to the direction the force acts

What direction do you think arrows used to represent forces should be drawn?

What direction do gravitational forces act?

Starter Quiz