Let's solve this
"Contact Forces" worksheet step by step. The goal is to identify the correct
type of contact force for each image based on what’s happening in the scene.
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🔍 First, let's review the types of contact forces listed:
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Friction Force – Opposes motion between two surfaces in contact.
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Normal Force – The upward force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it.
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Applied Force – A force applied by a person or object to another object.
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Air Resistance Force – The force that opposes motion through air (drag).
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Spring Force – The force exerted by a compressed or stretched spring.
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Tension Force – The force transmitted through a string, rope, cable, or chain when pulled.
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Now, analyze each image:
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🌪️ 1. Parachute with box descending
- A box is falling with a parachute open.
- The parachute is slowing down the fall due to air resistance.
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✔ Answer: Air Resistance Force
> *Explanation:* The parachute increases surface area, creating drag from the air pushing up against it. This is
air resistance.
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📚 2. Book with matches on top
- A book is sitting on a table, and there are matches on top.
- Nothing is moving — just objects at rest.
- The book pushes down due to gravity, and the table pushes up.
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✔ Answer: Normal Force
> *Explanation:* The table exerts an upward
normal force to support the weight of the book. This is a classic example of normal force.
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💡 3. Lamp on a cabinet
- A lamp is sitting on a wooden cabinet.
- It's not moving; it's at rest.
- Again, the cabinet supports the lamp’s weight.
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✔ Answer: Normal Force
> *Explanation:* The cabinet applies an upward
normal force to balance the downward gravitational force on the lamp.
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🧱 4. Spring inside a box
- A spring is compressed under a plate, inside a box.
- The spring is being squeezed, so it wants to push back.
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✔ Answer: Spring Force
> *Explanation:* When a spring is compressed or stretched, it exerts a
spring force trying to return to its original shape.
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👶 5. Child on a swing
- A child is swinging on a swing set.
- The ropes or chains are pulling up on the child.
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✔ Answer: Tension Force
> *Explanation:* The swing’s ropes are under tension — they pull upward on the seat and the child. This is
tension force.
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🚒 6. Person pushing a luggage cart
- A man is pushing a cart with luggage.
- He is applying a force directly to move the cart.
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✔ Answer: Applied Force
> *Explanation:* The man is physically pushing the cart — this is a direct
applied force.
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✔ Final Answers:
| Image | Contact Force |
|-------|----------------|
| Parachute + Box |
Air Resistance Force |
| Book with Matches |
Normal Force |
| Lamp on Cabinet |
Normal Force |
| Spring in Box |
Spring Force |
| Child on Swing |
Tension Force |
| Man Pushing Cart |
Applied Force |
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✔️ Summary:
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Air Resistance Force: Parachute
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Normal Force: Book, Lamp
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Spring Force: Compressed spring
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Tension Force: Swing ropes
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Applied Force: Man pushing cart
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✔ All answers are now filled in correctly!
Let me know if you'd like a printable version or explanation for students!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of types of force worksheet.
