Year 7 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 1

What Is a Force? Contact and Non-Contact

Foundation Worksheet

Name
Date
Class

Learning Goals

Match each force to its type and description

Draw a line connecting each force on the left to its correct description on the right. Or write the matching letter next to each force. Then write C (contact) or NC (non-contact) in the Type column.

ForceType (C or NC)Your answerDescription
FrictionA. Pulls every object with mass toward the centre of Earth — acts across empty space
GravityB. A magnet pulls a steel paper clip toward it — no touching required
TensionC. The floor pushes back up on your shoes when you stand on it
MagnetismD. Opposes sliding — your shoe grips the floor as you walk
Normal forceE. A rubbed balloon attracts small paper scraps without touching them
ElectrostaticF. A tug-of-war rope pulls both teams — a pulling force along a rope or wire

Fill the gap

Choose the correct word from the word bank to complete each sentence. Two words will not be used.

force Newton contact gravity friction magnetic kilogram temperature

A is a push or pull that can change an object's motion, speed, direction or shape. The unit of force is the (N), named after a famous scientist. Forces that need objects to be physically touching are called forces. When you slide a book across your desk, the between the surfaces slows the book down. The force that pulls a falling apple toward the ground is called . A compass needle points north because of a force — which acts without any touching.

1. A student says: "In a force diagram, the arrow just shows direction — its length doesn't matter." Is the student correct? Explain your answer.

Recall 2 marks

2. A surfer at Bondi Beach is floating on her board. Name one contact force and one non-contact force acting on her, and describe the direction of each.

Recall 2 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?