School Improvement in Maryland

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Standard 5.0 Physics

Topic A. Mechanics

Indicator 2. Explain that the changes in the motion of objects are determined by the mass of an object and the amount (size) of the force applied to it.

Objective a. Observe and give examples that show changes in speed or direction of motion are caused by an interaction of forces acting on an object:

Selected Response Item

Two students with different masses investigated how their positions on a seesaw affected the movement of the seesaw. The students changed their horizontal positions on the seesaw and measured the highest point at the opposite end.

Question Image

What is the primary force that Student 1 works against in order to lower Student 2?

  1. friction
  2. gravity
  3. magnetism
  4. pressure
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_science_5_026.xml

Correct Answer:
B

Selected Response Item

Two students with different masses investigated how their positions on a seesaw affected the movement of the seesaw. The students changed their horizontal positions on the seesaw and measured the highest point at the opposite end.

Question Image

How does friction affect the downward movement of Student 2 from Step 1 to Step 3?

  1. Friction slows the movement.
  2. Friction increases the downward force.
  3. Friction changes the direction of gravity.
  4. Friction increases the mass of the student.
/share/assessment_items/xml/items/msa_science_5_027.xml

Correct Answer:
A