Year 7 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 9

Measuring Forces with Spring Scales

Foundation Worksheet

Name
Date
Class

Learning Goals

Warm Up

True or False? Fix the false ones

Circle T or F for each statement. If the statement is false, rewrite it correctly on the line below.

A spring scale measures mass in kilograms.

Correct it:

T
F

Parallax error occurs if you read the spring scale from the side or from above rather than directly in front at eye level.

Correct it:

T
F

Hooke's Law means the spring can be stretched as far as you like and it will always return to its original shape.

Correct it:

T
F

Zeroing the scale before use is important because a spring scale not set to zero gives readings that are shifted by a fixed amount.

Correct it:

T
F

A spring scale would give a lower reading on the Moon than on Earth for the same object, because gravity is weaker on the Moon.

Correct it:

T
F

Your Turn

Sort it!

Write each action from the pool into the correct column based on its effect on a spring scale's reading.

Hang a 500 g mass from the hook Zero the scale before use Hang a heavier second mass below the first Remove the object from the hook Read from directly in front at eye level Apply a larger downward pull on the hook Reduce the downward force gradually Replace the heavy mass with a feather Apply a sideways push instead of a downward pull Wait for the scale to stop swinging

Increases the reading

Decreases the reading

Does not change the reading

Show What You Know

1. A spring stretches 2 cm when a 1 N force is applied, and 4 cm when a 2 N force is applied. What does this pattern show? What is the name of this scientific relationship?

Recall 2 marks

2. Describe one situation where a spring scale is the correct tool to use, and one situation where a balance scale would be better. Explain why each instrument is the right choice in its situation.

Recall 2 marks

Wrap Up

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

HSCScience · Year 7 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 9 · Foundation Worksheet