Force

A push or pull acting on an object.

A force is a push or pull; stress is the internal loading that this produces within the material. The effect depends on the metal, the size and shape of the part, and the direction of the force. Choosing a metal therefore involves more than deciding whether it is simply ‘strong’.

A push or pull acting on an object that can change its movement or shape.

Link the force to a named metal part, describe its direction, then explain the likely effect on that part.

For shear, describe opposite forces acting parallel to a section of material, not simply two forces pushing towards each other.

Link the force to its effect on the particular product: for example, stacked boxes experience compression and may crush or collapse.

A pushing or pulling action acting on an object.

A push or pull that can change an object’s motion or shape. Force is measured in newtons (N).

A push or pull acting on an object, which may change its motion or deform it.

These loads create stress within the material: internal force per unit area. If the loading is too great, a component may permanently deform or break. Even before it breaks, excessive movement can stop a mechanism working properly—for example, a flexible support may allow moving parts to become misaligned.

A push or pull that can change an object's motion or shape.

Definition

How each exam board covers it

Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology · 1DT0

Exam tips

Get more free notes every week

Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology · C600