Force-Motion Misconceptions
The Force and Motion Misconceptions Video Tutorial addresses some common pitfalls regarding the relationship between the forces that act upon an object and the manner in which the object moves. Misconceptions are directly identified and discussed in a logical manner in an effort to provide the student with a correct Newtonian model of motion.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- What are some common force-and-motion misconceptions that trouble Physics students?
- And in what way should I adjust my thinking about force and motion if I hold such misconceptions?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Balanced vs. Unbalanced Forces Concept Builder
Students love Concept Builders. They provide a great way to solidify your learning on a topic. This one on Balanced vs. Unbalanced forces will help you associate the force diagram with the described motion of the object.
Which One Doesn't Belong (Newton's Laws) Concept Builder
Do Physics while you play the classic game of One of these things is not like the other ... which one doesn't belong? Given three, four or five representations of a motion, you must identify which one doesn't correspond with the other ones.
Force and Motion Concept Builder
The forces acting upon an object are described by a force diagram and you must determine what the resulting motion could be. Put your thinking cap on and prepare to discard any erroneous ideas you have about force and motion.
Race Track Interactive
Engage in this turn-based game in which you tap on force buttons to guide a race car around a track in the least number of moves. If first you don't succeed, try again. If you still don't succeed, watch more videos an think hard about the connection between force and motion and (as Mom and Dad would warn) watch your speed.
Physics Classroom Tutorial - Newton's Laws Chapter, Lesson 3, The Big Misconception
Our Physics Classroom Tutorial has a proven record of explaining hard-to-understand concepts in an easy-to-understand language. This page from Lesson 3 of the Newton's Laws chapter provides exceptional support to this video lesson.
Teacher Resources
Teacher Toolkits: Newton's First Law
Teacher Toolkits provide teachers a collection of annotated links to vetted resources on the internet that are standards-based and multimedia reliant. This particular Toolkit is on Newton's First Law and should assist a teacher in finding resources for planning lessons that are next steps to this video.
Curriculum Corner: Newton's Laws Chapter
The Curriculum Corner provides classroom-ready Think Sheets that fuel great in-class discussions. The think sheets on Inertia and Mass, Force and Motion Preconceptions , and Balanced vs. Unbalanced Forces might be great follow-ups to this video tutorial.
Physics Interactive: The Rocket Sledder
Our Interactives section provides short simulations that allow students to manipulate a variable and observe its impact upon a motion. This one is perfect for helping students view the connection between force and motion. It is featured near the end of the video tutorial. It comes with a classroom-ready activity sheet.
Race Track Interactive
Liven up your lesson with this phun challenge called Race Track. In this turn-based game, students tap on force buttons to guide a race car around a track in the least number of moves. There are multiple levels and an infinite number of re-takes ... and lots of thinking and analysis for success.
Balanced vs. Unbalanced Forces Concept Builder
When you watch students doing Concept Builders in your classroom, you realize how much they love them. This one on Balanced vs. Unbalanced forces will help students associate the force diagram with the described motion of the object.
Which One Doesn't Belong (Newton's Laws) Concept Builder
Concept Builders provide a great way for students to solidify their learning on a topic. This one is modeled after the classic game of One of these things is not like the other ... which one doesn't belong? Given three, four or five representations of a motion, students must identify which one doesn't correspond with the other ones.
Force and Motion Concept Builder
Another helpful Concept Builder. The forces acting upon an object are described by a force diagram and students must determine what the resulting motion could be. Put your thinking cap on and prepare to discard any erroneous ideas you have about force and motion.
Physics Classroom Tutorial - Newton's Laws Chapter, Lesson 3, The Big Misconception
Our Physics Classroom Tutorial has a proven record of explaining hard-to-understand concepts in an easy-to-understand language. This Lesson 3 of page of the Newton's Laws chapter provides exceptional support to this video lesson.
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.