Forces and Energy Changes

Represent physical forces accurately as vectors to explain how objects interact through various contact and non-contact forces.

Analyze the concept of work done as a critical mechanism for the transfer of energy.

Distinguish clearly between mass and weight by explaining how a force acts on an object with mass when placed in a gravitational field.

Understand that an object gains gravitational potential energy when raised in a gravitational field due to the mechanical work done against gravity.

Describe how applied forces can result in the stretching, bending, or compressing of objects.

Differentiate between elastic and inelastic deformation, recognizing how the outcome depends on the specific material and the magnitude of applied forces.

Calculate the potential energy stored within a stretched spring by analyzing the work done during stretching.

Conduct a practical investigation to determine the quantitative relationship between the applied force and the resulting extension of a spring.