Application of Forces and Transfer of Energy

How do forces in nature affect us?

1. Climate change has resulted in an increase in the sea’s surface
temperatures in many parts of the world’s oceans.
2. This in turn leads to longer and more intense storms that begin over
warm oceans in tropical regions.
3. This can cause tropical cyclones, heavy rain and strong winds.
4. This can cause floods and this can loosen soil and causes landslides.
5. The surface of Earth is made up of may huge pieces if solid rocks
called plates.
6. These plates constantly move around very slowly, when they slide over
each other, the force exerted between them may result in a great
amount of energy released and this will cause earthquakes.
7. Volcanic eruptions are also caused by great forces and will also use a
great amount of energy.
8. This can occur both on land and under the ocean. Earthquakes and
volcanic eruptions can occur beneath the ocean and it may be strong
enough to trigger a series of powerful waves which are known as a
tsunami.
9. The potential energy of ocean water increases gently as a result. As
the waves move at high speed towards the shore, the potential energy
in the waves is converted into kinetic energy.
10.When it hits the shore with great force, it can damage property.

What are the types of Forces?

1. Forces acting between two objects that are in physical contact with
each other are called contact forces. Examples are friction and elastic
force.
 2. Friction is the force that opposes motion between two surfaces in
contact. It is the force that allows us to hold on to things without
dropping them.
3. When an elastic material is stretched or compressed, it resists the
change in shape by exerting a force in the opposite direction. Elastic
forces is the force acting on a stretched or compressed elastic object
to return its to its original.
4. Forces acting between two objects that are not in physical contact
with each other are called non-contact forces. Examples are gravity
and magnetic force.
5. Gravitational force is a force that attracts two objects towards each
other. When a planet exerts gravitational force on an object and pulls
it towards its centre, the object is known to have weight.
6. Gravity is the force that keeps the Moon orbiting around the Earth.
7. Magnetic force is another type of non-contact force. It is the force
exerted between a magnet and another magnetic material such as iron
and steel.
8. Every magnet has a north pole and a south pole.
9. When unlike poles are brought close to each other, they pull together
due to the magnetic force of attraction.
10.When like poles are brought close to each other, they push apart due
to the magnetic force of repulsion.
11. Weight is the measure of the gravitational force acting on an object.
As weight is a type of force, the SI unit of weight is the same as the
SI unit of force, which is the Newton (N).
12.Mass is the amount of matter in an object. The SI unit of mass is the
kilogram (KG).
13.Using a spring balance while pulling can measure the amount of force.

What happens when two or more objects interacts?

1. It can move a stationary object, change the speed of an objects,
change the direction in which an object moves and stop a moving
object.
2. A force applied on an object can cause a turning effect about fixed
point called the pivot. This turning effect can help us to carry out an
action with little force such as removing the lid of a tin can.
3. The transfer of energy between objects may cause changes in the size
and/or shape of an object.
4. Pressure is an exert of force acting on an object. When we carry a
₂backpack, it exerts a pressure on our shoulders. The amount of pressure
depends on whether we carry it on two straps or one.

Area of contact Pressure

Small High

Large Low
5. Measuring the amount of force applied on a surface and it area of
contact allows us to calculate the pressure applied. Pressure is defined
as force per unit area.

Pressure = Force/Area
6. The unit of pressure is newton per square metre (N/m² ), also known as
the pascal (Pa).
7. An injection needle needs to be very sharp so that the area of contact
of the needle with the skin is very small. When we apply a force on the
needle, a high pressure allows the sharp needle to pierce the skin
easily.
8. The heel of a high-heeled shoe has a smaller area of contact with a
surface than the heel of a sneaker. If a woman wearing high-heeled
shoes steps on a mobile phone screen, the screen will likely crack due
to the high pressure exerted on it. However, if she is wearing
sneakers, the screen may not due to a lower pressure exerted on it.
9. A sharp knife has a smalller area of contact with tomato than a blunt
knife. With the same amount of force applied, a sharp knife exerts a
higher pressure than a blunt knife. Thus, it is able to cut the tomato
more easily.
10.The we go deeper underwater, the pressure gets higher.
11. The base of a dam has a much thicker wall than its top. This is because
water pressure is higher at the base of the dam and a thicker wall is
better able to withstand the higher pressure.
12.As sea level rise due to climate change, the water pressure at the
seabed increases. Thus, the base of a dam will need to have an even
thicker wall.
13. Earth is surrounded by a thick layer of air. Air particles are light,
occupy space and have mass. When the layer of air particles pushes
down on Earth’s surface due to gravitational force, it exerts a lot of
pressure.
14.This pressure is also exerted on all of us, this is called atmospheric
pressure.
15.Tropical cyclones can arise due to the difference in atmospheric
pressure. They are formed over warm tropical oceans in regions near
the equator.
16.The sun warms the water on the ocean surface, causing it to
evaporate. The warm air rises, creating an area of lower air pressure
near the surface of the ocean.
17.Air from the surrounding area of higher air pressure flows into the
area of lower air pressure.
18.Another example of air pressure is the drinking from a straw.
19.When the boy sucks on a straw, some air is removed from it. The air
pressure inside the straw decreases and biomes lower than the
surrounding atmospheric pressure. The higher atmospheric pressure
pushes the liquid up the straw and into the boy’s mouth.
20. Another example is the suction cup.
 21. When we press a suction cup hook against a smooth surface like a wall
tile, air is pushed out from under the suction cup. The air pressure
between the suction cup and the surface decreases. It becomes lower
than the atmospheric pressure. The higher atmospheric pressure holds
the suction cup hook in place on the surface.
22. A force applied causes an object to move in the same direction
as the force. This results in a transfer of energy. When energy is
transferred, we say that work is done through the application of the
force.
23. The transfer of energy and the amount of work done through
the application of force have the same SI unit, which Joule (J).
24. It must satisfy 3 conditions, a force applied on the object, the
object must moves, the objects moves in the same direction as the
force applied on it.
25. When work is done, energy is transferred. Chemical potential
energy of the boy is converted to gravitational potential energy of the
box as he lifts the box to a height above the ground. Work is done as
energy is transferred from the boy to the box.

What happens when two or more objects interacts?

1. Different energy: Sound energy, chemical potential energy, heat
energy, light energy, gravitational potential energy, eclectic energy,
elastic potential energy, kinetic energy.
2. Energy cannot be created or destroyed. Energy can be converted and
transferred.
3. Rollercoaster energy flow: At highest point, A, the car has maximum
gravitational potential energy. As the car moves down from A to B, the
gravitational potential energy of the car is converted to kinetic
energy. When the car moves up again from B to C, some kinetic energy
of the car is converted to gravitational potential energy. When the car
 moves down from C to D, all the gravitational potential energy of the
car is converted to kinetic energy. At the lowest point, D, the car has
maximum kinetic energy. When the car moves from the highest point,
A, to the lowest point, D, all gravitational potential energy is converted
to kinetic energy of the car when it reaches the bottom of the track.

gravitational potential energy → kinetic energy

What are the sources of energy that we use?

1. We need energy to do work. There are 7 main sources of energy.
2. Fossil fuels:
a) Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of dead plants and
animals buried in Earth million of years ago. Hence, they are
limited and will run out one day.
b) Fossil fuels are burnt and undergo a chemical process releasing
heat energy. The heat energy can be converted into kinetic
energy, which can be used to produce electrical energy.
c) 3 natural forms of fossil fuels:
~ coal
~ oil
~ natural gases
d) The burning of fossil fuels releases air pollutants and
greenhouse gases into the environment. Greenhouse gases
contribute to global warming and increase the rate of climate
change which can cause more intense natural disasters.

Chemical potential energy → heat energy → kinetic energy → electrical energy

3. Solar energy:
 a) The leaves of plants trap sunlight to make food. We can also use
solar panels to harness solar energy from the sun. Solar panels
are made of materials that capture sunlight and convert light
into electricity.
b) In many places, we plan to maximise the installation of solar
panels, such as onto rooftops, building facades, reservoirs and
offshore sea spaces.
c) Solar energy can generate electricity without releasing air
pollutants and greenhouse gases. Although the production of
solar panels requires energy, the process of harnessing solar
energy has minimal impact on the environment, the only issue is
the removal and installation of solar panels.

light energy →electrical energy

4. Hydroelectric energy:
a) Hydroelectric energy is electrical energy generated by turbines
when moving water powers them. A hydroelectric power station
stored water in a reservoir behind a dam.
b) The reservoir water stores gravitational potential energy
behind the dam. As water runs down the turbine passageway at
high speed, gravitational potential energy is converted to kinetic
energy. As the moving water turns the blades of the turbine, the
kinetic energy of the water is converted to kinetic energy of the
turning blades. The kinetic energy of the turning blades of the
turbine is converted to electrical energy in the generator.
c) Generating hydroelectric energy produces very little greenhouse
gases.
d) But, whenever a dam is built there is a possibility it may cause a
flooding and kill animals and plants and it may also force people
 to move places and people who make a living through fishing will
have to relocate further in land and thus may not be able to fish
anymore

gravitational potential energy → kinetic energy → kinetic energy → electrical

energy

5. Wind energy:
a) Wind turbines convert the energy from wind to electrical
energy. When wind blows at a wind turbine, the kinetic energy of
the wind is transferred to the blades of the turbine, which
causes the blades to rotate. A generator connected to the
turbines spins and generates electricity.
b) Large plots of land need to be cleared to build wind farms. This
results in the potential loss of wildlife as natural habitats are
destroyed. Birds may be killed if they collide into the rotating
blades of the wind turbines. The noise caused can also be a form
of noise pollution.

6. Geothermal energy:
a) Geothermal energy is heat stored on Earth. It is harnessed to
generate electricity. A geothermal power plant uses heat from
deep inside Earth to generate steam, which power turbines to
produce electricity.
b) Geothermal sites usually require the cleaning of large areas of
land. This destroys the habitats of wildlife and thus affects the
diversity of species.
c) In addition, traces of toxic elements buried underground are
also drawn out. They can cause harm to the environment if not
properly handled.
 d) Cooled water is pumped into the hot rocks inside Earth’s core.
The cooled water is heated by geothermal energy and turns into
steam. Hot water and steam are pumped up to Earth’s surface.
Steam is used to power the turbine and generator to produce
electrical energy.

heat energy → kinetic energy → kinetic energy → electrical energy

7. Biofuels:
a) Biofuels are made from animal waste or from plant materials
that cannot be eaten by humans. They can also be produced from
the recycling of food waste such as used cooking oil and plant
pulp.
b) One of the most common form of biofuels is ethanol, which can
be made from plants such as sugarcane or corn. Biofuels can be
used to power motor vehicles. The carbon dioxide produced by
the vehicles is reabsorbed by the plants when they make food.
c) Plants are grown for making biofuels and other purposes → Plants
materials, including waste, are used to make biofuels. → Biofuels may be
mixed with other fuels and used to power vehicles. → The carbon
dioxide released when the fuel burns is absorbed by plants when they
make food.
d) Similar to fossil fuels, this process also releases carbon dioxide
and greenhouse gases. But an advantage is that this can be grown
in a short period of time. This helps to reduce waste. When they
produce carbon dioxide, they take it back in during
photosynthesis, so this balances it out.

chemical potential energy → heat energy → kinetic energy

 8. Nuclear energy:
a) Nuclear energy can be harnessed from the nucleus of an atom.
This energy can be obtained through nuclear reactions and then
converted to electrical energy.
b) Nuclear power plants generate electrical energy using heavy
atoms such as uranium. When a heavy atom is split into smaller
atoms, a large amount of heat energy is released.
c) This energy is used to boil water and the steam produced can
power turbines to produce electrical energy.
d) Nuclear energy is a form of clean energy. It also requires less
land to generate the same amount of energy compared to other
forms of energy sources.
e) But in the hands of the wrong person, nuclear energy could also
be a danger and weapon, research is going to make it safer.

nuclear energy → heat energy → kinetic energy → electrical energy

Transfer of Heat Energy

What does a change in temperature indicate?
1. Temperature is the measure of how hot an object is. We measure
temperature in degree Celsius (°C) or degree Fahrenheit (°F).
2. The SI unit of temperature is Kelvin (K).
3. We can use a thermometer to measure changes in temperature
resulting from the transfer of heat energy.
4. When two objects are in contact with each other, heat energy is
transferred from a hotter object to the colder object. The
temperature of the colder object increases, while the temperature of
the hotter object decreases. The temperature changes continues until
the two objects reach the same temperature.

What effects does the transfer of heat energy have on an

object?
1. The transfer of heat energy can cause objects or substances to
expand or contract. When a substance is heated, it gains heat and
expands. When a substance is cooled, it releases heat and contracts.
Expansion and contraction can take place in solids, liquids and gases.
2. Expansion and contraction in solids:
a) In hot weather, a metal railway tracks gains heat and expands.
The track can buckle if it is made in one continuous metal piece.
This may cause trains to derail. Expansion gaps between railway
tracks provide space for expansion.
b) In hot weather, a concrete bridge expands. In cool weather, the
bridge contracts. The expansion and contraction may damage the
bridge. Expansion joints between concrete slabs provide space
for expansion. Roller under bridges allow expansion and
contraction to take place safely.
3. Expansion in liquids:
 a) Oceans absorb more than ninety percent of the heat energy
that is trapped in Earth’s atmosphere. Some heat energy is
needed for oceans to maintain a suitable temperature to support
marine life.
b) Climate change includes global warming, which results in oceans
absorbing more heat energy. This causes the ocean to expand
and the sea level to rise. The rise in the sea level causes more
coastal land to be washed away. Thus, coastal erosion increases.
4. Expansion and contraction in liquids and gases:
a) Metal pipes expand and contract depending on the surrounding
temperature and the substances they carry. Metal pipes carrying
steam or hot water are built with flexible bends. These bends
enable the pipes to expand and contract safely without breaking.
5. Applications of expansion and contraction:
a) Opening a jar:
i) It can be difficult to unscrew the tight lid a jar. Placing the lid
in hot water can make it easier to unscrew the lid. The metal lid
expands more than the glass jar. This makes the lid less tight
and hence easier to unscrew.
b) Bimetallic strip:
i) A bimetallic strip is made up two metals that expands at
different rates upon the same change in temperature. Brass,
which expands and contracts more than steel, can be joined
together with steel to make a bimetallic strip.
ii) Bimetallic strips are used in thermostats and bimetallic
thermometers. A thermostats helps to keep the temperature of
an appliances constant.
iii) When an electric iron is switched on, it heats up. Once the
iron reaches the set temperature, it switches off and cool down.
When the temperature of the iron becomes low enough, it
switched on again.
iv) Turning the knob lowers or raises the contacts and sets the
temperature of electric iron, at which it switches offs. The
bimetallic strip in the iron is straight and the contacts touch
each other. The circuit is complete and electricity flows through
it. The bimetallic strip expands when heated. The brass strip
expands more than the steel strip, which causes the bimetallic
strip to bend downwards. The circuit becomes open, switching
off the iron. When the bimetallic strip cools down, it becomes
straight and the contacts touch each other again