Intro To Forces Flashcards
Can we see forces?
No. You cannot see a force BUT you can see its effect.
What is a force?
A force is either a push or a pull
Types of forces - gravitational force
Gravitational force is the force that pulls us towards the centre of the earth. Gravity pulls two objects towards each other.
Types of forces - Friction
When to objects slide past each other they experience friction, on ice there is no friction to slow us down on a grassy hill it is difficult for us to move as it slows us down
Types of forces - tension
Tension is a pulling force exerted on an object by a string or rope.
Types of forces - Magnetic
Magnetic force is experienced by a magnet or a magnetic material, e.g iron, when placed in a magnetic field. This force can pull the two objects together or push them apart
Types of forces - thrust
Thrust is a driving force exerted by an engine to make an object move.
Types of forces - upthrust
Upthrust is an upwards force that acts on an object when it is in a fluid ( a liquid or a gas)
Types of forces - electrostatic
Electrostatic force is experienced by a charged particle in an electric field. This force can be either attractive pull or a repulsive push
Types of forces - Normal
The normal reaction force always acts at right angles to the surface. When an object pushes on a surface like a table, wall or the ground, the surface pushes back on the object with a balancing force
Contact and non-contact forces
Contact : only acts when the object is in direct contact.
Non - contact force: one that acts without direct contact
How do we measure forces?
We can use a force meter/ newton meter to measure some forces, force is measured in Newtons
How can we show the forces acting on an object?
We can draw force diagrams.
