KS2 Science textbook

Chapter 9: Gravity, friction and resistance

Strand Forces
Level Year 5
Practice 81 questions with step-by-step solutions

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 2 science, Year 5. Content: F1 explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity acting between the Earth and the falling object, F2 identify the effects of air resistance, water resistance and friction that act between moving surfaces.

Open Year 5 chapter

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

Explain that gravity pulls unsupported objects towards the Earth
Describe how air resistance slows a falling object, and how a larger surface catches more air
Describe how water resistance slows an object moving through water, and how a streamlined shape helps
Explain that friction acts between surfaces that rub, and against the motion
Use a fair test to compare fall times, and read a bar chart of the results

You should already know

Pushes, pulls and contact forces, and friction (Year 3 Science, Chapter 9)
Air resistance and water resistance, from a fair test with paper shapes (Year 3 Science, Chapter 9)

Where this leads

Levers, pulleys and gears, which make forces easier to use (Year 5 Science, Chapter 10)
Working scientifically, planning and reporting (Year 5 Science, Chapter 1)

Lessons in this chapter

Read the whole chapter on one page (good for printing).