Force & Motion — Answer Key
Part A: Sort the Words
Sort each word or number into the correct category box.
1. Sort each action into motion that goes straight or motion that repeats or curves.
Straight-line motion
a ball rolling down a hallwaya runner sprinting to the finish linea paper plane flying forward Circular, zigzag, or back-and-forth motion
a carousel spinning in a parka pendulum swinging in a clocka kite darting in strong winda Ferris wheel turning slowlya rocking chair rocking gently Motion can follow different paths. A straight path goes one way without turning. Circles turn around a center, zigzags change direction, and back-and-forth repeats between two points.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A ball that rolls down a long hallway moves in straight motion.
When nothing turns the ball, it keeps rolling along one straight path.
2. A merry-go-round spins in circular motion around its center.
Anything that spins around a fixed point follows a circular path.
3. A swinging pendulum shows back-and-forth motion because it moves side to side.
Pendulums swing from one side to the other and back, repeating their path.
4. A kite that darts left and right in the wind shows zigzag motion.
Zigzag motion changes direction quickly, making a jagged path.
5. A Ferris wheel turns in circular motion, carrying riders around a big loop.
All the cars on the Ferris wheel travel in a big circle around the center.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. A rocking chair moves in back-and-forth motion.
True False
The rocking chair repeats the same path from front to back, which is back-and-forth motion.
2. A runner sprinting straight to the finish line moves in circular motion.
True False
A sprint goes in one line from start to finish, so it is straight motion, not circular.
3. Zigzag motion changes direction many times.
True False
Zigzag motion has many sharp turns rather than one smooth path.
4. A spinning top moves in straight-line motion.
True False
A spinning top rotates around a center point, which is circular motion.