Understanding Forces in Physics

Front

Definition of Force

Back

A push or pull on an object resulting from its interaction with another object.

Front

Contact Force

Back

Force that acts at the point of contact between two objects.

Front

Non-contact Force

Back

Force that acts on an object without physical contact, e.g., gravity.

Front

Gravitational Force

Back

Attractive force between two masses.

Front

Frictional Force

Back

Force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact.

Front

Tension Force

Back

Force transmitted through a string, rope, or wire when pulled tight.

Front

Normal Force

Back

Support force exerted upon an object in contact with another stable object.

Front

Newton's First Law

Back

An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by a net external force.

Front

Newton's Second Law

Back

F = ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration.

Front

Newton's Third Law

Back

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.