AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Give examples of the forces involved in stretching, bending or compressing…
Full specification wording
Forces and elasticity: give examples of the forces involved in stretching, bending or compressing an object
When an object is stretched, bent or compressed, at least two forces act on it, usually in opposite directions along the same line.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 19
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
When an object is stretched, bent or compressed, at least two forces act on it, usually in opposite directions along the same line. Stretching a spring involves a pulling force at each end, for example your hands pulling outwards. Compressing a spring involves pushing forces at each end, for example squeezing it between your palms. Bending a ruler involves a downward push near the middle and upward pushes at the supports, or a pair of opposite forces at different points. In each case the forces are contact forces applied by other objects, and they deform the object rather than simply moving it. Recognising these examples lets you describe real situations using correct force vocabulary.
What earns the marks
- Stretching: two pulling (tension) forces act along the object in opposite directions, for example hands pulling a spring apart.
- Compressing: two pushing (compression) forces act along the object towards each other, for example squeezing a spring between two hands.
- Bending: forces act at different points, for example a downward push on the middle of a ruler with upward forces at the supports.
- The forces are applied by other objects and are contact forces; they act in opposite directions and deform the object.
- Naming the direction and the object applying each force, not just saying 'a force', shows secure understanding.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying only one force acts when stretching an object.
Put it right: At least two forces are needed, one at each end, in opposite directions.
Confusing compression with tension.
Put it right: Compression pushes inwards, tension pulls outwards.
Describing bending as a single force at one point.
Put it right: Bending needs forces at different points, often a push in the middle and upward forces at the supports.
Exam tips
- Name the object applying each force and state its direction, for example 'the hand pulls the spring to the right'.
- Use the words tension, compression and bending correctly rather than 'push' and 'pull' alone.
- For a bending example, sketch the object and draw arrows showing where each force acts.
Try the lesson
The start of the Forces and elasticity: give examples of the forces involved in stretching, bending or compressing an object lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A gymnast stands on the middle of a springboard, which bends downwards. Which pair of forces acts on the springboard to bend it?
Listen
When an object is stretched, bent or compressed, at least two forces act on it, usually in opposite directions along the same line. Stretching a spring involves a pulling force at each end, for example your hands pulling outwards. Compressing a spring involves pushing forces at each end, for example squeezing it between your palms. Bending a ruler involves a downward push near the middle and upward pushes at the supports, or a pair of opposite forces at different points. In each case the forces are contact forces applied by other objects, and they deform the object rather than simply moving it. Recognising these examples lets you describe real situations using correct force vocabulary. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Stretching: two pulling (tension) forces act along the object in opposite directions, for example hands pulling a spring apart. Compressing: two pushing (compression) forces act along the object towards each other, for example squeezing a spring between two hands. Bending: forces act at different points, for example a downward push on the middle of a ruler with upward forces at the supports. The forces are applied by other objects and are contact forces; they act in opposite directions and deform the object. A common slip: Saying only one force acts when stretching an object. Instead, at least two forces are needed, one at each end, in opposite directions. Exam tip: Name the object applying each force and state its direction, for example 'the hand pulls the spring to the right'.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Tension
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Compression
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Bending
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Tension
- Two pulling forces act along the object in opposite directions, for example hands pulling a spring apart.
- Compression
- Two pushing forces act along the object towards each other, for example squeezing a spring between two hands.
- Bending
- Forces act at different points, for example a downward push on the middle of a ruler with upward forces at the supports.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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