What Is Force?- Definition, Types, Units, Formula and FAQs

Force; Definition, Types, Units, Formula and FAQs: Force is an interaction that can cause an object to change its state of rest or motion. Sir Isaac Newton was one of the first scientists to study gravity and force. Any kind of force is just a push or a pull. 

What is Force? 

• In Physics, force can be defined as the push or pull of an object with mass that causes it to change its velocity. 
• Force also has a magnitude and a direction. 
• The SI unit for force is Newton. 

Formula For Force

• The SI unit for force is Newton and the formula for force is as follows:-
• F = ma
• Where F is the force, m is the mass and a is the acceleration (measured in metres per second square). 
• Acceleration, a is given by the formula: a = v/t where v is the velocity and so is the time taken. 
• So force = F = mv/t
• The formula for inertia is: p = mv
• Then, the formula can be: F = p/t = dp/dt

What Are The Effects Of Force? 

Want to know the effects of force? Take a look at the following points. 

• Start motion: A force can cause a stationary object to keep moving. 
• Stop motion: Force can also be used to stop an object that is moving. 
• Changing speed: Force can increase or decrease the speed of a moving object. 
• Changing direction: F orce can alter the direction of a moving object. 
• Changing shape or size: In force, the force can bend, stretch and crush a piece of paper. 

The Factors On Which The Effect Of Force Depends: 

• Magnitude of the force: A stronger force will have a greater effect than a weaker force. 
• Direction of force: It is the direction of the force that determines how the object’s motion will be affected. 
• Mass of an object: A heavier object will be less affected by the force than that of a lighter force. 

Types Of Forces

There are two main categories of force based on how they interact with objects. See the two types of forces below:

• Contact Force: Forces that act on a body either directly or through a medium are called Contact Forces. 
• It can be further classified into different types: Applied force, Normal force, tension force, frictional force and air resistance. 
• Non-Contact Forces: Forces acting through space without making any direct contact are often called Non-Contact Forces. 
• They can be further classified into Gravitational Force, Electrostatic Force, Magnetic Force and Nuclear Force.

What Is The Line Of Action Of Force? 

• The force's line of action is the line along which a force acts on an object. The point where the force is acting on an object is called the point of application of the force. 

Students can easily take notes with the help of this article and can score well on the exam. Keep following Jagran Josh for more such updates. 

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