Contact Forces

Front

What is a contact force?

Back

A contact force is a force that acts at the point of contact between two objects.

Front

What is friction?

Back

Friction is a contact force that opposes the motion of an object when it is in contact with another surface.

Front

What happens to friction on a rough surface?

Back

A rough surface has more friction.

Front

What happens to friction on a smooth surface?

Back

A smooth surface has less friction.

Front

What is the unit of force?

Back

The unit of force is Newtons (N).

Front

What is applied force?

Back

An applied force is a force that is applied to an object by a person or another object.

Front

What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?

Back

Static friction acts on objects that are not moving, while kinetic friction acts on objects that are sliding over each other.

Front

What is gravitational force?

Back

Gravitational force is the force of attraction between two masses, such as the Earth and an object.

Front

What is normal force?

Back

Normal force is the support force exerted upon an object that is in contact with a stable surface.

Front

What is tension force?

Back

Tension force is the force transmitted through a string, rope, or wire when it is pulled tight.