Physics Forces Quiz

Study Notes

Applied Force

An applied force is exerted on an object by an external source, such as a person or another object.
Example: Pushing a desk involves an applied force acting upon it.

Gravity Force (Weight)

Gravity force is the attraction exerted by Earth or other massive objects on other objects.
Defined as the weight of an object, directed downwards towards Earth's center.
Formula: Fgrav = m * g, where g = 9.8 N/kg on Earth and m is mass in kg.
Important to differentiate between weight (force) and mass (amount of matter).

Normal Force

The normal force is the supporting force exerted by a stable surface on an object in contact with it.
Example: A surface pushes upward on a resting book to support its weight.
Can also exert horizontal force when objects are in contact, such as leaning against a wall.

Friction Force

Friction force opposes the motion of an object moving across a surface.
Types include sliding friction (when an object slides) and static friction (when an object is at rest).
The force of friction arises from intermolecular interactions between surfaces.
Maximum friction force can be calculated as: Ffrict = µ * Fnorm.

Air Resistance Force

Air resistance is a frictional force acting on objects moving through the air, opposing their motion.
Often negligible unless for objects with large surface areas or moving at high speeds, such as skydivers or downhill skiers.

Tension Force

Tension force is transmitted through a string, rope, cable, or wire when pulled tight by opposing forces.
It acts along the length of the cable and pulls equally on connected objects at both ends.

Spring Force

Spring force acts on an object attached to a compressed or stretched spring.
This force attempts to restore the object to its equilibrium position.
For springs that obey Hooke's Law, the force is directly proportional to the spring's stretch or compression.

Hooke's Law

States that the force required to extend or compress a spring is proportional to the distance of the extension or compression.
The relationship is characterized by a constant factor representing the spring’s stiffness.

Description

Test your knowledge of different types of forces including applied force, gravity, normal force, and friction. This quiz covers definitions, examples, and important formulas that relate to these key concepts in physics. Perfect for students learning the fundamentals of mechanics.