How Does This Pillow Float?

In the gif below, a pillow can be seen floating above a table. A weight is removed that was sitting on top of the pillow and the pillow moves up a couple of inches. You’re curious about the forces that are at work here. Use this phenomenon to answer the questions that follow.
NGSS Phenomena: A pillow is floating above a table with a brick on it. when the brick is removed, the pillow moves up.

1. The force acting on the pillow from the weight is due to and the direction of this force is .

Drag the answers below into the grey placeholders above

unclear
gravity
newtons
up
normal force
down

2. Removing the weight energy that was previously energy.

Drag the answers below into the grey placeholders above

chemical
kinetic
releases
transfers
potential
stores

3. When the weight is first placed on the pillow, potential energy is in the system. When the weight is removed, some of the potential energy in the system is .

4. How can we explain the movement of the pillow when the weight is removed by talking about potential energy?

5. On the image below, draw arrows to show the directions of the forces acting on the pillow, once the weight is removed.

Color

Width

6. Explain what the arrows in your model represent.

Make sure to mention what force each arrow is showing. (hide hints)

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This matching question aligns to the following standards

  • MS-PS3-2

  • Developing and Using Models

This matching question aligns to the following standards

  • MS-PS3-2

  • PS3.C: Relationship Between Energy and Forces

  • PS3.A: Definitions of Energy

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  • Developing and Using Models

  • PS3.C: Relationship Between Energy and Forces

  • PS3.A: Definitions of Energy

This drawing question aligns to the following standards

  • PS3.C: Relationship Between Energy and Forces

  • PS3.A: Definitions of Energy

  • Systems and System Models

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  • Developing and Using Models

This free response question aligns to the following standards

  • PS3.A: Definitions of Energy

  • PS3.C: Relationship Between Energy and Forces

  • Developing and Using Models

  • Systems and System Models

  • MS-PS3-2

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