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Force and Energy
Subject: Science and Technology — For learners aged 9 (Kenya)
What is a force?
A force is a push or a pull. Forces make things start to move, stop moving, or change direction.
- Push — like kicking a football.
- Pull — like pulling a rope in tug-of-war.
Common kinds of forces
- Gravity: Pulls things down to the ground. (Why apples fall.)
- Friction: A force that slows moving things. (Shoes on the ground stop you from slipping.)
- Magnetic force: Magnets pull some metals like iron.
- Muscle force: Forces from people or animals — lifting a jerrycan of water.
What is energy?
Energy is what makes things happen. It helps objects move, warm up, light up or make sound.
Types of energy
- Kinetic energy: Energy of moving things (a running child).
- Potential energy: Stored energy (water in a raised tank).
- Light energy: From the sun or a torch.
- Heat energy: From fire or cooking on a stove.
- Sound energy: From clapping or music.
- Chemical energy: In food and batteries.
Example in Kenya: sunlight gives light and heat; water in rivers has energy that can make electricity (hydropower).
Try these simple activities
Push a small car and then push it on a rough carpet. It stops sooner because friction slows it down.
Pull and release. You stored energy (potential) in the stretched band and it moves (kinetic) when let go.
Stand in the sun at different times. The sun's energy makes light and heat. Your shadow changes size as the sun moves.
Quick quiz (answer with a sentence)
- Give one example of a push and one example of a pull.
- Which force keeps you on the ground?
- Name two types of energy you use every day.
- Why does a ball stop rolling on the ground?
Glossary & Fun facts
Force: A push or pull.
Energy: What makes things happen.
Fun fact: The sun is the main source of energy for life on Earth. In Kenya, farmers, homes and companies use sunlight and rivers to get energy.