Forces Flashcards
What is a force?
A push, pull, or twist
What can a force affect?
An object’s motion or shape
How are forces often measured?
The effect of the force on a spring
What is the unit of measuring force?
Newtons
How do you use a spring balance to measure ranges of forces?
The force needed to extend a spring is proportional to the distance that spring is extended from its rest position
What is a contact force?
Any force that requires contact to occur
Examples of a contact force
Friction
Normal forces
Buoyancy
Tension
What is a non-contact force?
A force which acts on an object without coming physically in contact with it
Examples of a non-contact force
Gravitational force
Magnetic force
Electrostatic force
What is a balanced force?
The forces acting on an object are equal in size and opposite in direction
Examples of a balanced force
Resultant force is zero
What is a non-balanced force?
Forces acting on an object are not equal and opposite
Examples of a non-balanced force
Resultant force is not zero
Effects of applying different forces on familiar objects
Forces acting on a boat
up - water’s buoyant force
down - earth’s gravitational force
left - air resistance/drag
right - water’s frictional force on the boat/thrust
