Fundamental Concepts of Forces and Motion

Front

Definition of Force

Back

A force is a push or pull that can cause an object to move, change direction, or stop. Forces can also cause changes in the shape of objects.

Front

Types of Forces

Back

Gravity, Friction, Applied Force, Normal Force, Tension, Air Resistance, Magnetic and Electric Forces.

Front

Gravity

Back

The force that attracts objects toward each other, particularly toward the center of the Earth. All objects experience gravitational pull.

Front

Friction

Back

A force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact. It can slow down or stop the motion of an object.

Front

Applied Force

Back

A force that is applied to an object by another object or person (e.g., pushing a box).

Front

Normal Force

Back

The support force exerted by a surface that is perpendicular to the object resting on it (e.g., the ground pushing up against your feet).

Front

Tension

Back

The force that is transmitted through a string, rope, or cable when it is pulled tight by forces acting on either end.

Front

Air Resistance

Back

A type of frictional force that acts on objects as they move through air.

Front

Magnetic and Electric Forces

Back

Forces caused by magnetic or electric fields.

Front

Newton’s First Law of Motion

Back

An object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted on by an unbalanced force. Objects naturally resist changes in their state of motion.