P.F.CE.2

Gravitational forces are studied as a universal phenomenon and gravitational field strength is quantified. Elastic forces and a more detailed look at friction are included. At the atomic level, “contact” forces are actually due to the forces between the charged particles of the objects that appear to be touching. These electric forces are responsible for friction forces, normal forces and other “contact” forces. Air resistance and drag are explained using the particle nature of matter. Projectile motion is introduced and circular motion is quantified. The vector properties of momentum and impulse are introduced and used to analyze elastic and inelastic collisions between objects. Analysis of experimental data collected in laboratory investigations must be used to study forces and momentum. This can include the use of force probes and computer software to collect and analyze data.