Contact and Non-Contact Forces: Understanding the Difference

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The force that attracts or repels two objects due to their magnetic properties, such as the attraction between a magnet and a ______.

paper clip

The force that results from an electric current or electric field, such as the force that attracts or repels two charged ______.

objects

The main difference between contact and non-contact forces is that contact forces require direct physical contact between two objects, while non-contact forces do not require such ______.

contact

Give an example of a contact force that occurs when two objects slide on a surface.

Friction

What type of force is exerted by a spring when it is compressed or stretched?

Spring Force

Name a non-contact force that attracts objects towards the center of mass of a celestial body.

Gravitational Force

Study Notes

Contact and Non-Contact Forces

Contact and non-contact forces are two types of forces that act on objects, but they differ in their interaction with the objects they act upon.

Contact Forces

Contact forces are forces that act between objects in physical contact with each other. These forces require direct physical contact between two objects, and examples of contact forces include:

  1. Friction: The resistance offered by a surface when two objects slide on it.
  2. Tension: The force exerted by a rope or string when it is pulled, such as when a climber is ascending a mountain.
  3. Normal Force: The force exerted by a surface on a object, acting perpendicular to the surface.
  4. Air Resistance: The force that opposes the motion of an object through the air, such as the resistance felt by a parachutist when he jumps out of a plane.
  5. Spring Force: The force exerted by a spring when it is compressed or stretched.

Non-Contact Forces

Non-contact forces are forces that act on an object without the need for physical contact. These forces can be exerted on an object from a distance, and examples of non-contact forces include:

  1. Gravitational Force: The force that attracts two objects, such as the attraction between the Earth and the Moon.
  2. Magnetic Force: The force that attracts or repels two objects due to their magnetic properties, such as the attraction between a magnet and a paper clip.
  3. Electric Force: The force that results from an electric current or electric field, such as the force that attracts or repels two charged objects.
  4. Electrostatic Force: The force that results from the interaction between two charged objects, such as the force that attracts or repels two charged particles.

The main difference between contact and non-contact forces is that contact forces require direct physical contact between two objects, while non-contact forces do not require such contact. This distinction is important in various fields, such as physics, engineering, and everyday life, as it helps us understand how objects interact and the forces that govern their motion.

Explore the concepts of contact and non-contact forces, their examples, and how they differ in their interaction with objects. Learn about forces that require physical contact, like friction and tension, as well as forces that act from a distance, like gravitational and magnetic forces.

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