Contact and Non-contact Forces

Front

What is friction?

Back

Friction is a contact force that opposes the motion of an object when it is in contact with another surface.

Front

What is the difference between static electricity and current electricity?

Back

Current electricity involves a flow of electrons; static electricity involves a single transfer of electrons.

Front

What is a contact force?

Back

A contact force is a force that occurs when two objects are touching each other.

Front

What is a non-contact force?

Back

A non-contact force is a force that acts between two objects that are not touching.

Front

What happens when two objects have the same charge?

Back

Two objects with the same charge will repel (move away from) each other.

Front

What is an example of a contact force?

Back

Friction, tension, and normal force are examples of contact forces.

Front

What is an example of a non-contact force?

Back

Gravity, magnetic force, and electrostatic force are examples of non-contact forces.

Front

What is the role of gravity as a force?

Back

Gravity is a non-contact force that pulls objects toward each other, such as the Earth pulling objects toward its center.

Front

How does friction affect motion?

Back

Friction slows down or stops the motion of an object by opposing its movement.

Front

What is tension in terms of forces?

Back

Tension is a contact force that is transmitted through a string, rope, or cable when it is pulled tight.