5.1.2 Contact & Non-Contact Forces

• What is essential for studying physics at the GCSE level?

  Understanding the difference between contact and non-contact forces
• What is a force?

  A force is a push or pull upon an object resulting from its interaction with another object
• What can forces cause objects to do?

  Forces can cause objects to accelerate, decelerate, change direction, or change shape
• What are contact forces?

  Contact forces occur when two interacting objects are physically touching each other
• What is friction?

  Friction is the force that opposes the motion of an object as it slides or rolls over another surface
• What happens when you push a book across a table?

  Friction acts in the opposite direction to slow it down
• What is air resistance (drag)?

  Air resistance is the force that opposes the motion of an object moving through the air
• How does a parachutist experience air resistance?

  A parachutist experiences air resistance, which slows their fall
• What is tension?

  Tension is the force transmitted through a string, rope, or cable when it is pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends
• In a game of tug-of-war, what force is present?

  The tension in the rope when it is pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends
• What is the normal force?

  The normal force is the support force exerted upon an object that is in contact with another stable object
• What happens to a book resting on a table?

  A book experiences a normal force exerted by the table to support its weight
• What is upthrust?


  Upthrust is the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object placed in it, opposing the object's weight
• Why does a boat float on water?

  A boat floats on water because of the upthrust from the water
• What is an applied force?

  An applied force is a force that is applied to an object by a person or another object
• What happens when you push a door open?

  You are applying a force to the door
• What are non-contact forces?

  Non-contact forces occur even when the objects are not physically touching each other
• What is gravitational force?


  Gravitational force is the attractive force that acts between any two masses
• How does gravity affect an apple falling from a tree?

  Gravity pulls the apple to the ground
• What is electrostatic force?

  Electrostatic force is the force between two charged objects
• Why does a charged balloon stick to a wall?

  The charged balloon sticks to the wall due to the electrostatic force
• What is magnetic force?

  Magnetic force is the force exerted by magnets when they attract or repel each other
• How does a compass needle behave in a magnetic field?

  A compass needle aligns with the Earth’s magnetic field
• What is the key difference between contact and non-contact forces?

  Contact forces require physical contact, while non-contact forces act over a distance without physical contact
• Give an example of a contact force in everyday life.

  Pushing a car (applied force) is an example of a contact force
• Give an example of a non-contact force in everyday life.

  The Earth pulling a ball downwards (gravity) is an example of a non-contact force
• What is a gravitational field?


  A gravitational field is the area around a mass where it exerts a gravitational pull on other masses
• What is an electric field?

  An electric field is the area around a charged object where it exerts an electrostatic force on other charges
• What is a magnetic field?

  A magnetic field is the area around a magnet where it exerts a magnetic force
• Why is understanding contact and non-contact forces important?

  Understanding these forces helps explain everyday phenomena, such as why objects fall and how magnets work
• How do contact and non-contact forces help in analyzing situations in physics?

  They help explain how objects interact and move in our physical world, which is essential for solving problems in physics
• What is the significance of understanding forces in physics?

  It is crucial for analyzing situations in mechanics, electricity, and magnetism
• What should you do if you need further clarification on forces?

  You should feel free to ask additional questions
• What does the comprehensive guide aim to help you grasp?

  It aims to help you grasp the concepts of contact and non-contact forces
• What is summarized in the key points section?

  Contact forces require direct physical contact, while non-contact forces act at a distance without touching
• Why are real-life examples of forces important?

  They help in explaining everyday phenomena, such as why objects fall and how vehicles move
• What are the practical implications of understanding forces?

  Understanding forces is crucial for analyzing situations in mechanics, electricity, and magnetism