School Improvement in Maryland

Using the State Curriculum: Science, Grade 5

Skills and Processes | Earth/Space | Life | Chemistry | Physics | Environmental

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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 b. Observe and explain the changes in selected motion patterns using the relationship between force and mass.

Selected Response Item

Read the passage 'Free Fall' to answer the following.

The seats in a car of a free-fall ride are replaced with heavier seats.

This change requires

  1. more force to lift the car
  2. less time to stop the car
  3. a lower rate of speed
  4. a higher rate of speed
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_science_5_004.xml

Correct Answer:
A

Selected Response Item

A car and a truck move on a road in the same direction at the same speed. Both vehicles slow down with the same stopping force.

Question Image

Which statement best explains why the truck needs more distance to stop?

  1. The truck is longer.
  2. The truck has more mass.
  3. The truck has larger wheels.
  4. The truck has a larger engine.
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_science_5_041.xml

Correct Answer:
B

Selected Response Item

Use the information below to answer the following.

Two students met at a local park. Student 1 lives farther from the park than does Student 2. Both students left their houses at 10:00 A.M. and arrived at the park at 10:20 A.M. While at the park, the students played on the swings, slide, and merry-go-round.

Each student has a different mass, yet they both reached the same height while swinging.

Which of these statements explains why the students reached the same height while swinging?

  1. The students had the same speed while on the swing.
  2. The students used different amounts of force while swinging.
  3. The students were on the swing for the same amount of time.
  4. The students used the same amounts of force while swinging.
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_science_5_066.xml

Correct Answer:
B
Resources for Objective 5.A.2.b:
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