Forces Flashcards
definition of a force
a push or a pull
a force is a vector.. what is does something need in order to be called a vector
a magnitude and direction.
forces act in pairs.. what does this mean?
for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
definition of a contact force
where two objects are in contact with one another
3 examples of contact forces
friction
tension
compression
definition of non- contact forces
non - contact forces act over a distance and do not involve two objects touching on another
3 examples of non contact forces
gravitational force
magnetic force
electrostatic force
what is another term for non - contact forces?
field forces
friction definition
Friction- when two Resistive forces make physical contact
tension definition
Force transmitted through a medium (usually rope, cable, string etc) when pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends (in opposite directions).
compression definition
Force(s) pressing inwards on an object causing it to become compacted.
gravitational force definition
Attractive (pulling) force that objects exert on each other that is dependent on the mass of the objects and the distance between their centres.
magnetic force definition
Force that two magnetic materials exert on each other over a distance.
two types of magnetic forces
attraction
repulsion
what is attraction in the context of magnetic force
is a pulling force between unlike poles of a magnet.
what is repulsion in the context of magnetic force
is a pushing force that like poles exert on each other.
what is the definition of electrostatic force
Electrostatic force- Force that two electrically charged objects exert on each other over a distance.
how to objects become charged
Through friction between two objects (insulators) electrons are transferred from one object to another. The object that gains electrons is negatively charged and the object that loses electrons becomes positively charged.
Electrostatic potential energy
electrostatic potential energy could be the energy of attraction between oppositely charged objects or repulsion between like charges. This potential energy could be converted into other types of energy such as kinetic energy when they move towards or away from one another.
Unit of energy = joule (J)
