Robotics Skill Builder Worksheet: Forces

Forces Skill Builder

Adult Education Robotics Forces Skill Builder Advanced 20 Questions 13 Views

Classroom Worksheet

Robotics Skill Builder Worksheet: Forces

Forces Skill Builder

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Score______ / 20

Grade: Adult Education

Subject: Robotics

Topic: Forces

Time: 20 Minutes

Difficulty: Advanced

Questions: 20

Instructions:
Read each question carefully and answer in complete sentences or with the required calculation. Show your thinking where needed. Use appropriate robotics and physics vocabulary. Questions increase in difficulty.

Skills Practiced:

Forces
Robotics
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving

1Question

Define force in the context of robotics.

2Question

Name two common forces that affect a robot moving on a floor.

3Question

What unit is force measured in?

4Question

What does friction do to a robot’s wheels when it moves across a surface?

5Question

A robot arm lifts a box straight upward. Which force must the arm overcome?

6Question

If a robot remains still on a flat surface, what can you say about the forces acting on it?

7Question

A drive motor applies 15 N of forward force, and friction provides 9 N of backward force. What is the net force?

8Question

Why is a wide wheelbase often helpful for a mobile robot?

9Question

A robot arm uses a long link to hold a heavy tool. How does increasing the arm length affect the torque at the joint?

10Question

Explain the difference between mass and weight in a robotics setting.

11Question

A robot applies 24 N to the right and experiences 24 N of friction to the left. What is its acceleration?

12Question

A servo on a robot arm has a torque rating of 2.5 N·m. What does this rating describe?

13Question

Why do grippers often use textured pads or rubber tips?

14Question

A 10 kg robot experiences a net force of 20 N. Using Newton’s second law, what is its acceleration?

15Question

A robot with 30 N of traction force tries to climb a ramp, but 18 N of gravity component pulls it backward along the ramp. What is the net force along the ramp?

16Question

How does lowering a robot’s center of mass affect its resistance to tipping?

17Question

A robotic arm must hold a 4 kg payload 0.5 m from the joint. If the gravitational force on the payload is about 40 N, what torque must the joint resist?

18Question

Describe one design change that could reduce the force needed by a robot motor to move a heavy cart.

19Question

A robot’s wheel slips on a smooth floor during acceleration. What force-related problem is occurring, and how could it be improved?

20Question

A mobile robot must move steadily while carrying a heavy payload and turning in a confined area. Explain how forces, friction, stability, and torque must be balanced in the design.

Answer Key

#	Answer
1	A force is a push or pull that can change an object's motion, shape, or direction.
2	Friction and gravity.
3	Newtons (N).
4	Friction opposes motion and can slow the robot down or reduce wheel slip.
5	The force of gravity.
6	The forces are balanced, so the net force is zero.
7	6 N forward.
8	It increases stability and helps resist tipping by providing a larger support area.
9	It increases the torque required at the joint.
10	Mass is the amount of matter in an object, while weight is the force of gravity acting on that mass.
11	Zero acceleration, because the net force is zero.
12	It describes the maximum twisting force the servo can produce at its shaft.
13	To increase friction and improve grip on the object.
14	2 m/s².
15	12 N forward up the ramp.
16	It improves stability and makes the robot less likely to tip over.
17	20 N·m.
18	Using larger wheels, reducing friction, or lowering the cart’s mass could reduce the required force.
19	There is insufficient friction/traction; it can be improved by using grippier tires, reducing acceleration, or changing the surface.
20	The robot needs enough drive force and traction to move the payload, controlled friction to prevent slipping, a stable center of mass and wide support base to avoid tipping, and sufficient motor torque to turn wheels and joints under load.