Texas TEKS 6.7.B
The Standard
calculate the net force on an object in a horizontal or vertical direction using diagrams and determine if the forces are balanced or unbalanced
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students read force diagrams and combine forces acting along one horizontal or vertical axis. They report the net force with a direction and classify the forces as balanced or unbalanced.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student correctly subtracts forces pointing in opposite directions and adds forces pointing in the same direction. The student identifies zero net force as balanced and any nonzero net force as unbalanced.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may add every force without considering direction or report the largest force as the net force. They may also think balanced forces mean an object must be stopped rather than moving at constant velocity.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: A box has 12 N acting right and 7 N acting left. Find the net force, give its direction, and classify the forces.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Use two spring scales to pull a ring in opposite directions, then record each reading, draw the forces, and calculate net force.
Write a claim explaining whether a 10 N upward force and a 10 N downward force can change an object's motion.
Run a card sort matching force diagrams to net force cards, direction cards, and balanced or unbalanced labels.
Analyze a grocery cart pushed 30 N forward while friction acts 12 N backward, then predict how its motion changes.
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Printable 6.7.B Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 6.7.B, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 3.7.A
demonstrate and describe forces acting on an object in contact or at a distance, including magnetism, gravity, and pushes and pulls; and
- 7.7.D
analyze the effect of balanced and unbalanced forces on the state of motion of an object using Newton's First Law of Motion.
- 5.7.A
investigate and explain how equal and unequal forces acting on an object cause patterns of motion and transfer of energy; and
- 8.7.A
calculate and analyze how the acceleration of an object is dependent upon the net force acting on the object and the mass of the object using Newton's Second La...
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