Force in Physics

In physics, force is an influence that can cause an object to change its velocity, i.e., to accelerate, meaning a change in speed or direction, unless counterbalanced by other forces. Force plays a central role in classical mechanics, figuring in all three of Newton's laws of motion.

The SI unit of force is the newton (N), and force is often represented by the symbol $F$.

Newton's second law of motion states that the force on an object with an unchanging mass is equal to the product of the object's mass and the acceleration that it undergoes. This relationship is expressed as $F = ma$, where $F$ is the force, $m$ is the mass, and $a$ is the acceleration.

<p>The rotational version of force is torque, which produces changes in the rotational speed of an object.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Types of forces often encountered in classical mechanics include elastic, frictional, contact or 'normal' forces, and gravitational.</p> Signup and view all the answers