Science Homework 10
Science Homework 10
Science Homework 10
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Non-Contact Force
Force is simply a push or pull in a particular direction. Forces result from an object’s
interaction with another object. Forces are usually illustrated by arrows. The arrows
demonstrate which way the force is acting.
There are two main types of force: contact forces and non-contact forces. Contact forces
result from two objects physically touching each other. This may be a ball that is rolled
into another ball, which then moves as well. It could be air pushing against a parachute
making the parachute, and the person attached, fall slower to the ground. It could be a
ball being bounced on the ground and the ball bouncing back up.
But what is non-contact force? Well, it is when one object is able to push or pull another
object without coming into physical contact with it. There are three main types of non-
contact forces: gravitational force, electrostatic force and magnetic force. Let’s look at
each of these a little more.
Gravitational Force
Electrostatic Force
Electrostatic force is static electricity in one object pushing or pulling another object. It
is usually the result of prior friction between two objects. The friction builds electrostatic
force in one of the objects. This force can then be used to push or pull another object
without coming into contact with it.
Magnetic Force
If you glue the magnet onto a piece of paper, then hold the paper
close to the fridge, the magnet will pull itself, and the paper,
towards the fridge. In some cases, a magnet will repel or push
another object away, without touching it. This happens when
two magnets have the same pole facing each other.
When an object moves because of another object there is force. Sometimes, the force
needs to make one object physically contact another object to make it move. We call this
contact force. Othertimes, one object can enact force without contact. We call this non-
contact force. Remember, force is all around us. It is just a push or pull.
A force is push or pull acting on an object. Forces act in pairs, opposing one another.
The force of gravity prevents everything from floating away into space.
When we jump and fall back down, or when we swim and we sink.
10.
3. When have you experienced a non-contact force?
I experience gravity when I trip and fall, or when I'm in PE and someone shoots a basketball
Force Description
The force between two surfaces that are sliding, or trying to slide, past
friction
each other.
electrostatic force The force that acts between two charged objects.
1. Name the force that is acting in each of the situations described below.
The force of the water acting on a boat that keeps it afloat. upthrust
The force of the table acting on a cup that is resting on the table. reaction
The force that keeps a car on the ground. gravity
The force that holds up a decoration that is hanging from a string. tension
The force that causes a paperclip to be attracted to a magnet. magnetic
As an object gets farther away from the object exerting a force, the field gets weaker. This means
that the size of the force an object experiences will decrease as it gets further away.
1. Tick the correct box in the table below to identify the contact and non-contact forces. There
are three non-contact forces.
air resistance
electrostatic
tension
magnetic
reaction
water resistance
gravitational
friction
The diagram below shows a bar magnet surrounded by its magnetic field.
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