Grade 11 → Mechanics → Dynamics ↓
Force and types of force
In the study of physics, particularly the branch of mechanics known as dynamics, the concept of force is fundamental. Force can be thought of as a push or pull on an object that can change its velocity, direction, or shape. Analyzing forces allows us to understand how objects move and interact with each other. Let's take a deeper look at the concept of force, the types of forces encountered in the physical world, and how they are represented and measured.
Understanding the force
Force is any interaction that changes the motion of an object without opposition. Force can change the velocity of an object with mass, i.e., accelerate it. Similarly, force can also cause an object to deform or change its shape. The simplest way to understand force is to think of it as a push or pull. The SI unit of force is the newton (N). One newton is the amount of force needed to give a mass of 1 kilogram an acceleration of 1 m/s².
The concept of force can be described by Newton's laws of motion. The first law, also called the law of inertia, states that an object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless it is affected by a force. The second law provides a quantitative description of the effects of force and is expressed as:
F = m × a
Where:
F
is the force applied to the objectm
is the mass of the objecta
is the acceleration generated
Types of forces
Forces can be broadly classified into two types: contact forces and non-contact forces. Each type has several specific forces that come into play in different physical situations.
Contact force
Contact forces require physical contact between two interacting objects. Some common types of contact forces are:
Friction force
Friction is the force which opposes the relative motion of two surfaces in contact or the tendency to such motion. It acts parallel to the surface and opposite to the direction of motion or intended motion.
Example: Pushing a box across the floor. Friction between the box and the floor resists motion.
Tension force
Tension is the force transmitted through a string, rope, cable or wire when it is pulled by forces acting from opposite ends. Tension is a pulling force and always acts along the length of the wire or cable.
Example: A game of tug of war in which each team pulls the rope, creating tension in it.
Normal force
Normal force is a supporting force applied to an object that is in contact with another stationary object. It acts perpendicular to the surface of the object.
Example: A book rests on a table. The table exerts a normal force upward on the book which balances its weight.
Applied force
Applied force is the force applied to an object by someone or another object.
Example: To open a door you have to apply force with your hand.
Spring force
Spring force is the force exerted by a compressed or stretched spring on any object attached to it. It is described by Hooke's law:
F = -k × x
Where:
F
is the force exerted by the springk
is the spring constant, which is a measure of the stiffness of the springx
is the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position
Example: Compressing a toy spring launcher before release.
Non-contact forces
Non-contact forces act at a distance without direct physical contact. These forces arise from the fields created by objects. The most common non-contact forces include:
Gravitational force
Gravity is the force of attraction between two bodies. It is the weakest of the four fundamental forces, but it is dominant over long distances and is responsible for the motion of celestial bodies. The gravitational force acting on an object on the surface of the Earth is said to be equal to the weight of the object and is expressed as:
F = m × g
Where:
F
is the gravitational forcem
is the mass of the objectg
is the acceleration due to gravity, about 9.8 m/s²
Electromagnetic force
Electromagnetic forces arise from electric charges. This force includes both electric forces, which occur between stationary charges, and magnetic forces, which arise from moving charges or currents. Maxwell's equations describe these forces and how they interact.
Example: Repulsion between two like charges or attraction between opposite charges.
Nuclear forces
Nuclear forces include the strong and weak forces that act on the scale of the atomic nucleus. The strong nuclear force holds the protons and neutrons within the nucleus of an atom and is the strongest force known. The weak force is responsible for radioactive decay and neutrino interactions, and acts at even smaller distances.
Magnetic force
Magnetic force is related to electromagnetic forces, and acts on moving charges. It can be represented using magnetic field lines and affects materials differently depending on their properties.
Example: The force between the poles of a magnet or compass needle that are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of forces in mechanics and how they act on objects is very important. Forces are responsible for the motion and interactions of all physical objects, from the smallest particles to the largest celestial bodies. By studying forces, we gain important information about the workings of the natural world and the fundamental principles that govern everything in the universe.