Types of Forces

Front

Force Noun

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[fors]

Back

Force

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A push or a pull on an object that can cause it to change its motion, measured in Newtons.

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Example: A person applies a push force to an object. The arrow clearly shows the direction in which the force is being applied.

Front

Newtons Noun

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[noo-tuhns]

Back

Newtons

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The standard unit of measurement for force in the International System of Units, representing the magnitude of a force.

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Example: This image shows that Force (measured in Newtons) is calculated by multiplying mass (kg) by acceleration (m/s²), visually defining the formula F=ma.

Front

Spring Scale Noun

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[spring skeyl]

Back

Spring Scale

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An instrument used to measure the magnitude of a force by observing the extension or compression of a calibrated spring.

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Example: This diagram shows a spring scale measuring the weight of an apple, which is a type of force measured in Newtons (N).

Front

Contact Force Noun

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[kon-takt fors]

Back

Contact Force

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A force that acts on an object by direct physical contact with it, also known as a mechanical force.

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Example: A person pushing a wall is an example of a contact force, where the push (action) and the wall's push back (reaction) require direct touching.

Front

Non-contact Force Noun

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[non-kon-takt fors]

Back

Non-contact Force

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A force that acts on an object without coming into physical contact with it, exerting its influence over a distance.

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Example: Two magnets attract each other without touching, demonstrating magnetism as a non-contact force.

Front

Muscular Force Noun

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[muhs-kyuh-ler fors]

Back

Muscular Force

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A type of contact force generated by the contraction and action of muscles within a living organism's body.

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Example: This image shows four examples of muscular force: running, lifting, pushing, and throwing, all actions powered by the contraction of muscles.

Front

Applied Force Noun

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[uh-plahyd fors]

Back

Applied Force

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A force that is directly applied to an object by another object or a person, such as a push or pull.

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Example: A push or pull on an object, like the force shown by the arrow pushing the block, is called an applied force.

Front

Normal Force Noun

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[nawr-muhl fors]

Back

Normal Force

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The support force exerted upon an object in contact with another stable object, acting perpendicular to the contact surface.

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Example: This diagram shows a book on a table. The table pushes up on the book with a 'normal force,' which balances the downward pull of 'weight' (gravity).

Front

Friction Noun

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[frik-shuhn]

Back

Friction

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A contact force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of motion between two surfaces that are in contact.

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Example: This diagram shows that friction is a force that opposes the motion of an object, like a crate, being pushed along a surface.

Front

Air Resistance Noun

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[air ri-zis-tuhns]

Back

Air Resistance

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A type of frictional force that acts upon objects as they travel through the air, opposing their forward motion.

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Example: This image compares a skydiver in freefall to one with an open parachute, showing how a larger surface area increases the upward force of air resistance.