The force of a floor
I can explain how a floor can support a range of objects with very different weights.
The force of a floor
I can explain how a floor can support a range of objects with very different weights.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- More force is needed to hold up a bigger mass up in the air.
- The bigger the mass on a beam, the more the beam bends.
- The more a beam bends, the greater the force it pushes back with.
- The bigger the mass on a floor, the more particles in the floor are squashed together.
- The more particles in a floor are squashed together, the greater the force they push back with.
Keywords
Gravitational force - A gravitational force acts on any object inside a gravitational field.
Normal reaction force - When an object rests on a surface, there will be a normal reaction force acting on it.
Elastic - Materials are elastic if they return to their original shape when forces are removed from them.
Electrostatic force - The force between two electrically charged particles is an electrostatic force.
Common misconception
There is a downwards force on a surface, but no upward force, the surface just gets in the way.
Have pupils describe upward forces they need to exert whilst supporting different sized weights at arms length.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: The force of a floor, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: The force of a floor, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Hidden forces unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Adult supervision required
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a material that returns to its original shape when forces are removed
a force that acts on any object in a gravitational field
a force that acts upwards when an object rests on a surface
a force that acts between electrically charged particles
