COMMON TYPES OF FORCES

Front

FRICTION (FORCE) "Ff" (SYM.) - Opposes sliding between surfaces.

Back

Parallel to the surface and opposite the direction of sliding.

Front

NORMAL (FORCE) "Fn" (SYM.) - Force a surface applies to an object.

Back

Perpendicular to surface and directed away from it.

Front

SPRING (FORCE) "sp" (SYM.)- Push or pull a spring gives.

Back

Opposite the displacement of an object at the end of the spring.

Front

TENSION (FORCE) "Ft" (SYM.)- Pull from a spring, rope, or cable on an object.

Back

parallel to the spring, rope, or cable at the point of attachment and away from the object.

Front

THRUST (FORCE) "F th" (SYM.)- Force that moves things like rockets, planes, or cars.

Back

In the same direction as the acceleration of an object barring any resistive forces.

Front

WEIGHT (FORCE) "Fg" (SYM.)- Force of attraction between two objects.

Back

Straight down toward the center of the object.