Forces are everywhere around us - from the push you...
Physics51 views·Updated 5 Sept 2026·3 pagesUnderstanding Forces: Definitions and Types
~Sahasra~💋@study.with.me123
1 / 3
1
of 3
What Are Forces and How Do We Measure Them?
Forces are simply pushes or pulls that act on objects when they interact with other things. Think about kicking a football - your foot applies a force to make the ball move. Every force is measured in newtons (N), named after the famous scientist Sir Isaac Newton.
Forces come in two main types: contact forces (where objects touch) and non-contact forces (where objects don't need to touch). This distinction helps us understand how different forces work in the real world.
Forces are vector quantities, which means they have both size (magnitude) and direction. This is different from scalar quantities that only have size. When drawing forces, we use arrows - longer arrows show stronger forces, and the arrow points in the direction the force acts.
Quick Tip: Remember that force diagrams use arrows where 1mm might represent 1N, making it easy to compare different forces visually!
2
of 3
Contact Forces - When Objects Touch
Contact forces only work when two objects are physically touching each other. You'll encounter these forces constantly in everyday life.
Tension happens when strings, ropes or rods pull on objects. Friction occurs when two surfaces slide past each other - it's what makes it harder to push a heavy box across the floor. Air resistance pushes against objects moving through air, which is why cyclists crouch down to go faster.
Upthrust is the upward force you feel when you're in water - it's what helps you float! Thrust is the driving force from engines that makes cars and planes move forward. Finally, normal reaction force is the push-back you get from surfaces - when you lean against a wall, it pushes back with equal force.
Real-World Connection: Every time you walk, you're using friction between your shoes and the ground to push yourself forward!
3
of 3
Non-Contact Forces and Measuring Forces
Non-contact forces work even when objects aren't touching - pretty amazing, right? Magnetic force attracts or repels magnets and magnetic materials like iron. You've probably felt this when trying to push two magnets together the wrong way!
Electrostatic force happens between charged particles and can also attract or repel objects. Gravitational force is the most familiar non-contact force - it's what keeps you on Earth and makes things fall down. Gravity always pulls objects together, never pushes them apart.
We measure forces using a newton meter (also called a force meter). Always remember to 'zero' your newton meter before measuring - this means setting it to read zero when no force is applied. If you forget this step, all your measurements will be wrong by the same amount, creating what scientists call systematic error.
Exam Tip: Practice identifying whether forces are contact or non-contact - this is a common test question that's easy marks if you know the difference!
We thought you’d never ask...
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar content
Most popular content: Force
4PhysicsEnergy & Electricity Overview
Explore a comprehensive mindmap detailing key concepts in Energy and Electricity, including energy resources, domestic electricity, and the relationship between energy and matter. Ideal for students preparing for Physics Paper 2.
115637
PhysicsPhysics forces revesion
Aqa gcse
11844
PhysicsPhysics revision gcse
Physics: forces, weight, resultant force, resolving force, work done, energy transfer, elastic potential energy, moment, levers, gears, elasticity, limit of proportionality
111796
PhysicsUnderstanding Forces: Contact vs Non-Contact
Explore the fundamental concepts of contact and non-contact forces in physics. This summary covers key definitions, examples, and Newton's Third Law of Motion, making it essential for GCSE Physics students. Learn about friction, tension, magnetic, and gravitational forces, and how they interact in various scenarios.
111511
Most popular content in Physics
9PhysicsPhysics paper 2 notes
physics aqa gcse paper 2 combined higher notes
111,26510
PhysicsPhysics Paper 2 Essentials
Master key concepts for AQA Combined Physics Paper 2, including electromagnetic waves, mechanics, forces, and motion. This comprehensive summary covers essential topics like wave properties, Newton's laws, and the motor effect, ensuring you're well-prepared for your exam.
1116,088940
PhysicsForces and Motion Overview
Explore key concepts in Forces and Motion, including Hooke's Law, velocity, acceleration, and the principles of moments. This summary covers essential topics such as the relationship between force and extension, terminal velocity, and the impact of safety devices in physics. Ideal for AQA Physics Unit 5 revision.
109,292875
PhysicsGCSE Physics Practical Experiments
Explore essential GCSE Physics practicals for AQA, covering key concepts such as Hooke's Law, wave properties, thermal insulation, and electrical circuits. This comprehensive guide includes step-by-step procedures, variables, and safety considerations for each experiment, ensuring a thorough understanding of practical applications in physics.
1111,440477
Physicsphysics paper 2 foundation notes
aqa combined science physics paper 2 foundation notes
111,34138
PhysicsSummary of RP Physics paper 2
AQA GCSE Combined Science and Triple (Single) Science Summary of Required Practicals for Paper 2
114878
PhysicsPhysics paper 1 and paper 2
Detailed mind maps
1172912
ChemistryBTEC Applied Science Unit 1 Overview
Comprehensive resource for Year 12 students pursuing a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science. This booklet covers essential topics including cell structure, chemical properties, and wave theory, providing clear explanations and key concepts to aid in your studies and exam preparation.
125,511127
PhysicsPhysics Paper 2 Notes GCSE
Concise notes for Edexcel Physics Paper 2 (combined & triple science)
113319
Most popular content
9
SociologySociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision
Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.
1274,0402,306
SociologySociology of Education Overview
Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.
12103,2013,044
BiologyA-Level Biology Year 1 Overview
Comprehensive summary of AQA A-Level Biology Year 1, covering key topics such as cellular structure, protein synthesis, immune response, gas exchange, and more. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological concepts. Includes detailed insights into cellular processes, biological classification, and the circulatory system.
1215,171702
BiologyAQA Biology: Key Concepts
Explore essential AQA Biology topics including Photosynthesis, Respiration, Homeostasis, Genetics, and Ecology. This comprehensive knowledge organizer covers key concepts such as energy transfer, hormonal control, and genetic variation, providing a solid foundation for your studies. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological processes.
109,168314
MathsComprehensive Maths Concepts
Explore essential mathematical concepts including powers, geometry, statistics, and probability. This resource features 65 pages of detailed explanations, diagrams, and examples to enhance your understanding of topics such as right triangles, volume calculations, and data representation. Ideal for students seeking to strengthen their numeracy skills and grasp complex mathematical principles.
1180,3376,327
PhysicsPhysics paper 2 notes
physics aqa gcse paper 2 combined higher notes
111,26510
Biologybiology paper 1
all notes
112,60938
English LanguageLanguage Paper 1 Strategies
Master the AQA English Language Paper 1 with this comprehensive guide. Explore key strategies for language and structural analysis, critical evaluation, and creative writing. Learn how to effectively analyze texts, utilize literary techniques, and enhance your writing skills to excel in your exams.
1128,741902
Chemistrychem paper 1
higher
112,26546
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user
Physics51 views·Updated 5 Sept 2026·3 pagesUnderstanding Forces: Definitions and Types
~Sahasra~💋@study.with.me123
Forces are everywhere around us - from the push you give a door to the pull of gravity keeping your feet on the ground. Understanding forces is crucial in physics because they explain why objects move, stop, or change direction...
1
of 3
Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
What Are Forces and How Do We Measure Them?
Forces are simply pushes or pulls that act on objects when they interact with other things. Think about kicking a football - your foot applies a force to make the ball move. Every force is measured in newtons (N), named after the famous scientist Sir Isaac Newton.
Forces come in two main types: contact forces (where objects touch) and non-contact forces (where objects don't need to touch). This distinction helps us understand how different forces work in the real world.
Forces are vector quantities, which means they have both size (magnitude) and direction. This is different from scalar quantities that only have size. When drawing forces, we use arrows - longer arrows show stronger forces, and the arrow points in the direction the force acts.
Quick Tip: Remember that force diagrams use arrows where 1mm might represent 1N, making it easy to compare different forces visually!
2
of 3Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Contact Forces - When Objects Touch
Contact forces only work when two objects are physically touching each other. You'll encounter these forces constantly in everyday life.
Tension happens when strings, ropes or rods pull on objects. Friction occurs when two surfaces slide past each other - it's what makes it harder to push a heavy box across the floor. Air resistance pushes against objects moving through air, which is why cyclists crouch down to go faster.
Upthrust is the upward force you feel when you're in water - it's what helps you float! Thrust is the driving force from engines that makes cars and planes move forward. Finally, normal reaction force is the push-back you get from surfaces - when you lean against a wall, it pushes back with equal force.
Real-World Connection: Every time you walk, you're using friction between your shoes and the ground to push yourself forward!
3
of 3Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Non-Contact Forces and Measuring Forces
Non-contact forces work even when objects aren't touching - pretty amazing, right? Magnetic force attracts or repels magnets and magnetic materials like iron. You've probably felt this when trying to push two magnets together the wrong way!
Electrostatic force happens between charged particles and can also attract or repel objects. Gravitational force is the most familiar non-contact force - it's what keeps you on Earth and makes things fall down. Gravity always pulls objects together, never pushes them apart.
We measure forces using a newton meter (also called a force meter). Always remember to 'zero' your newton meter before measuring - this means setting it to read zero when no force is applied. If you forget this step, all your measurements will be wrong by the same amount, creating what scientists call systematic error.
Exam Tip: Practice identifying whether forces are contact or non-contact - this is a common test question that's easy marks if you know the difference!
We thought you’d never ask...
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar content
Most popular content: Force
4PhysicsEnergy & Electricity Overview
Explore a comprehensive mindmap detailing key concepts in Energy and Electricity, including energy resources, domestic electricity, and the relationship between energy and matter. Ideal for students preparing for Physics Paper 2.
115637
PhysicsPhysics forces revesion
Aqa gcse
11844
PhysicsPhysics revision gcse
Physics: forces, weight, resultant force, resolving force, work done, energy transfer, elastic potential energy, moment, levers, gears, elasticity, limit of proportionality
111796
PhysicsUnderstanding Forces: Contact vs Non-Contact
Explore the fundamental concepts of contact and non-contact forces in physics. This summary covers key definitions, examples, and Newton's Third Law of Motion, making it essential for GCSE Physics students. Learn about friction, tension, magnetic, and gravitational forces, and how they interact in various scenarios.
111511
Most popular content in Physics
9PhysicsPhysics paper 2 notes
physics aqa gcse paper 2 combined higher notes
111,26510
PhysicsPhysics Paper 2 Essentials
Master key concepts for AQA Combined Physics Paper 2, including electromagnetic waves, mechanics, forces, and motion. This comprehensive summary covers essential topics like wave properties, Newton's laws, and the motor effect, ensuring you're well-prepared for your exam.
1116,088940
PhysicsForces and Motion Overview
Explore key concepts in Forces and Motion, including Hooke's Law, velocity, acceleration, and the principles of moments. This summary covers essential topics such as the relationship between force and extension, terminal velocity, and the impact of safety devices in physics. Ideal for AQA Physics Unit 5 revision.
109,292875
PhysicsGCSE Physics Practical Experiments
Explore essential GCSE Physics practicals for AQA, covering key concepts such as Hooke's Law, wave properties, thermal insulation, and electrical circuits. This comprehensive guide includes step-by-step procedures, variables, and safety considerations for each experiment, ensuring a thorough understanding of practical applications in physics.
1111,440477
Physicsphysics paper 2 foundation notes
aqa combined science physics paper 2 foundation notes
111,34138
PhysicsSummary of RP Physics paper 2
AQA GCSE Combined Science and Triple (Single) Science Summary of Required Practicals for Paper 2
114878
PhysicsPhysics paper 1 and paper 2
Detailed mind maps
1172912
ChemistryBTEC Applied Science Unit 1 Overview
Comprehensive resource for Year 12 students pursuing a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science. This booklet covers essential topics including cell structure, chemical properties, and wave theory, providing clear explanations and key concepts to aid in your studies and exam preparation.
125,511127
PhysicsPhysics Paper 2 Notes GCSE
Concise notes for Edexcel Physics Paper 2 (combined & triple science)
113319
Most popular content
9SociologySociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision
Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.
1274,0402,306
SociologySociology of Education Overview
Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.
12103,2013,044
BiologyA-Level Biology Year 1 Overview
Comprehensive summary of AQA A-Level Biology Year 1, covering key topics such as cellular structure, protein synthesis, immune response, gas exchange, and more. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological concepts. Includes detailed insights into cellular processes, biological classification, and the circulatory system.
1215,171702
BiologyAQA Biology: Key Concepts
Explore essential AQA Biology topics including Photosynthesis, Respiration, Homeostasis, Genetics, and Ecology. This comprehensive knowledge organizer covers key concepts such as energy transfer, hormonal control, and genetic variation, providing a solid foundation for your studies. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological processes.
109,168314
MathsComprehensive Maths Concepts
Explore essential mathematical concepts including powers, geometry, statistics, and probability. This resource features 65 pages of detailed explanations, diagrams, and examples to enhance your understanding of topics such as right triangles, volume calculations, and data representation. Ideal for students seeking to strengthen their numeracy skills and grasp complex mathematical principles.
1180,3376,327
PhysicsPhysics paper 2 notes
physics aqa gcse paper 2 combined higher notes
111,26510
Biologybiology paper 1
all notes
112,60938
English LanguageLanguage Paper 1 Strategies
Master the AQA English Language Paper 1 with this comprehensive guide. Explore key strategies for language and structural analysis, critical evaluation, and creative writing. Learn how to effectively analyze texts, utilize literary techniques, and enhance your writing skills to excel in your exams.
1128,741902
Chemistrychem paper 1
higher
112,26546
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user