The force that acts on an object inside a gravitational field.

The amount of matter (material) in an object.

The force per kilogram caused by a gravitational field.

The unit for gravitational field strength.

Gravitational force and weight

Science

In the Particle explanations of density and pressure unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to learn how the arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases explain density, pressure, floating and convection.

In the Forces unit, pupils learnt how to accurately describe and explain the actions of forces in a range of situations.

Hidden forces

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

A force that pulls objects towards the centre of planets.

The amount of material (matter) in something.

The force on each kilogram due to gravity.

Match the key words to their definitions:

Starting with the smallest, sort these in order of mass.

The mass of the flag pole stays the same.

The weight of the flag pole stays the same.

An astronaut takes a flag pole from Earth to the Moon with them. Which of the following are true?

An alien weighs themselves on the surface of some of the moons in our solar system. Starting with the smallest, list the locations into the order of the weight recorded.

A space probe has a mass of 954 kg and is being sent to land on the moon Europa, which has a gravitational field strength of 1.31 N/kg. How much will it weigh on Europa?

An astronaut with mass 652 kg lives on Mars. They weigh themselves and find that they weigh 2420 N. What is the gravitational field strength? 

An arrow pointing to where the force is acting on the object.

An arrow starting on the object and pointing to the direction the force acts.

A straight line joining the object to the force.

How can a force acting on an object be shown on a diagram?

Which of these forces pulls objects towards the centre of Earth?

How should a force arrow for the gravitational force acting on a football be drawn?

What property does this top pan balance measure?

There are no forces acting on the metal block.

There is no resultant force acting on the metal block.

There is an upwards support force acting on the metal block.

There is a gravitational force is acting on the metal block.

The figure shows a hand holding a small metal block. The metal block is not moving. Which statements are correct? 

The hammer will float off upwards, getting faster and faster.

The hammer will float exactly where it was released.

The hammer will fall towards the Moon's surface at a constant speed.

The hammer will fall towards the Moon's surface, speeding up as it falls.

An astronaut is walking on the Moon carrying a hammer. What will happen to the hammer if they let go of it?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz