Net Force

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Net Force Noun

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[net fors]

Back

Net Force

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The overall force, or the sum of all forces, acting on an object, which is measured in Newtons (N).

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Example: This image shows how to calculate net force. When forces act in the same direction, they add up. When they act in opposite directions, they subtract.

Front

Force Noun

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[fors]

Back

Force

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A push or pull upon an object resulting from its interaction with another, causing a change in its velocity.

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Example: This image shows Newton's Second Law of Motion (F=ma), the formula used to calculate the net force (F) on an object given its mass (m) and acceleration (a).

Front

Newtons (N) Noun

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[noo-tuhns]

Back

Newtons (N)

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The standard unit of measurement for force in the International System of Units (SI), represented by the symbol N.

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Example: This diagram shows that applying a larger force (more Newtons) to an object, like a soccer ball, causes it to have a greater acceleration.

Front

Acceleration Noun

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[ak-sel-uh-rey-shuhn]

Back

Acceleration

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The rate of change of an object's velocity with respect to time, which is caused by a net force.

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Example: A net force (gravity, shown by the arrow) causes the apple to change its velocity and fall faster, which is acceleration.

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Gravity Noun

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[grav-i-tee]

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Gravity

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The fundamental force of attraction that all objects with mass have for each other, pulling objects toward one another.

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Example: This diagram shows Earth's gravity as a force, represented by arrows, that pulls everything towards the planet's center.

Front

Friction Noun

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[frik-shuhn]

Back

Friction

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

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Example: This diagram shows friction as a force that opposes the motion of a box being pushed, and a magnified view reveals the rough surfaces causing it.

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 a person or another object, resulting in an action.

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Example: A person applies a force by pushing an object, and the arrow shows the direction and application of this push.

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: A book's weight pushes down on a table, and the table pushes back up with an equal and opposite force, called the normal force.

Front

Tension Noun

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[ten-shuhn]

Back

Tension

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The pulling force transmitted axially through a string, cable, or similar object when it is pulled taut by forces.

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Example: Two people pulling on a rope demonstrates tension, the pulling force transmitted through the rope in opposite directions.

Front

Balanced Forces Noun

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[bal-uhnst for-ses]

Back

Balanced Forces

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Forces that are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, resulting in a net force of zero and no motion change.

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Example: Two people pulling a rope with equal and opposite force demonstrates balanced forces, resulting in no movement (a net force of zero).