Understanding Forces and Energy

What is force?

• The ability to resist motion

• A push or pull on an object

• The speed of an object

• The weight of an object

Answer explanation

Force is defined as a push or pull on an object, which can cause it to move or change its motion. The other options describe different concepts, but only this choice accurately defines force.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-1

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What type of force pulls objects toward the center of the Earth?

• Magnetic force

• Gravitational force

• Electric force

• Frictional force

Answer explanation

The force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth is the gravitational force. It is responsible for keeping us grounded and is a fundamental force of nature, unlike magnetic, electric, or frictional forces.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

What is electric force?

• The force between charged objects

• The resistance to motion

• The force caused by gravity

• The ability to conduct electricity

Answer explanation

Electric force is defined as the force between charged objects. It arises from the interaction of electric charges, unlike resistance to motion, gravitational force, or electrical conductivity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-3

What is a magnetic force?

• The force exerted by moving electric charges

• The force that holds atoms together

• The force caused by friction

• The push or pull on an object due to mass

Answer explanation

A magnetic force is specifically the force exerted by moving electric charges, which creates magnetic fields. This distinguishes it from other forces like those caused by friction or mass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-3

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

What is a magnetic field?

• The area surrounding an electric charge

• The space around a magnet where it exerts force

• The region where gravity is strongest

• The movement of thermal energy

Answer explanation

A magnetic field is defined as the space around a magnet where it exerts force. This is the correct choice, as it specifically describes the influence of a magnet, unlike the other options which refer to different concepts.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-3

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

What are electric charges?

• The buildup of heat energy

• Positive or negative properties of particles

• The force that holds the nucleus together

• A type of sound wave

Answer explanation

Electric charges refer to the positive or negative properties of particles, such as protons (positive) and electrons (negative). These charges are fundamental to the interactions between particles in physics.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-3

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

What is an electric field?

• A field created by a gravitational pull

• A region around a charged particle where electric forces are exerted

• A circuit that is broken

• The energy of moving particles

Answer explanation

An electric field is defined as a region around a charged particle where electric forces are exerted. This means that other charged particles within this region will experience a force due to the electric field.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-3

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

What is electrical energy?

• The energy of moving electric charges

• The energy stored in food

• The energy of motion

• The ability of a circuit to break

Answer explanation

Electrical energy is defined as the energy of moving electric charges. This is the correct choice, as it directly relates to the flow of electricity, unlike the other options which refer to different forms of energy.

What is an electric current?

• The flow of electric charge

• The buildup of static electricity

• The force that holds atoms together

• The energy of sound waves

Answer explanation

An electric current is defined as the flow of electric charge, typically through a conductor. This distinguishes it from static electricity, which is a buildup of charge, and other options that do not relate to current.

What is motion?

• A change in position over time

• The sound waves produced by an object

• The buildup of electrical energy

• The ability to produce light

Answer explanation

Motion is defined as a change in position over time, which accurately describes how objects move. The other options do not relate to the concept of motion.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-1

NGSS.MS-PS2-2