FORCES

What is a force?
• A force is a push or pull of an object.
• Examples of push: pressing, stepping, squeezing
• Examples of pull: tugging, dragging, stretching
• Combinations of a push and pull: turning, twisting, wringing

Effects of a force
We cannot see forces with our eyes, we can see and feel their effects on the
objects around us.
(1) moving an object at rest.
(2) speeding up, slowing down or stopping a moving object.
(3) changing the direction of a moving object.
(4)changing the shape and size of an object.

Measuring Forces

A force is a quantity that can be measured in newtons (N).

Newton, which is the unit for forces, is actually named after an English
physicist, Sir Isaac Newton.

Types of forces

Forces exist in many different forms.

• Frictional force
• Elastic spring force
• Gravitational force
• Magnetic force

Frictional Force

When two surfaces come into contact with each other, friction will be
produced. This force opposes motion by acting in an opposite direction to the
direction in which the surfaces are moving.
Examples of frictional force: rubbing our hands together, sliding heavy loads
across surfaces, car and bicycle tyres.
Types of Friction

1. Sliding friction
Sliding friction is produced when two solid objects are in contact and a
force is applied to slide one object over the other. For example: when
the snowboarder slides his snowboard against the snow.

2. Fluid friction
Friction is present in fluids (gases and liquids).When a force is applied to
move a solid object through a fluid. For example: A surfer glides over
water. A parachutist moves through the air.

3. Rolling friction
When a circular object rolls over a surface, rolling friction is produced
between the two surfaces in contact. For example: A boy is
skateboarding.

Effects of Friction

(1)Produces heat which may cause damage.

(2)Friction causes wear and tear between surfaces that are contact with
each other.
(3) Increased effort/ more energy required to operate machines

Ways to reduce friction

(1)Lubricants such as oil and grease help to reduce the amount of

friction produced. This is because they form a protective film over both
surfaces, allowing the two surfaces to be separated.
(2) Putting rollers and ball bearings between sliding surfaces reduces
friction.
(3) The blades of ice skates are sharp and are able to slice through the
surface of the ice, leaving a small water channel, so friction is reduced.
(4) Use magnetic repulsion between maglev trains and the tracks.
Advantages of friction

• Tyres on cars and bicycles must grip the road so that car will not skid,
especially when the roads are wet and slippery.
• The soles of sports shoes must grip the floor firmly to prevent the
person from slipping.
• Friction between the brakes and the wheels on cars and bicycles that
make the vehicles stop.
• Slow down the fall of parachutist to ensure safe landing.

Elastic Spring Force

• Elastic spring force is exerted by a spring when the spring is stretched or

compressed.
• The force that propels the arrow in the air is known as elastic spring
force.
• When we let go of a stretched or compressed spring, it will return to its
original shape.

Gravitational Force

• The pulling force that the Earth exerts on objects all the time.
• Weight is the gravitational force pulling the body towards the centre of
the Earth. We use a spring balance to measure weight.
• Mass is the amount of matter in a body. Matter is divided into three
groups ( solids, liquids and gases). We use a beam balance or an
electronic balance to measure mass.

• Gravitational force( gravity) is the force of attraction that exists between

things that have mass.
• Gravitational force depends on:
• (1)The mass of the objects
• (2)The distance between the objects.

For example: The man stands on top of the mountain, the gravitational pull
between the man and the Earth’s center is less. The man stands on the ground,
the gravitational pull between the man and the Earth’s center is more.
 Differences between Mass and Weight
Mass Weight

The amount of matter in an The gravitational force pulling the body towards the
object centre of the Earth

Mass is the same anywhere in Weight varies in the different parts of the universe.
the universe Eg. on Earth, Moon or in outer space

Mass is measured in grams(g) Weight is measured in Newton, N

and kilograms(kg)

It is not a force It is a force

Magnetic Force

• The force exerted by magnets on magnetic objects or other magnets.

• Magnetic force of attraction occurs between magnets and magnetic
substances (mostly metals are magnetic except copper, aluminium,
silver, gold, tin, zinc ), magnets of unlike poles.
• Magnetic force of repulsion occurs between magnets of like poles

Contact forces: Elastic spring force and frictional force

Non contact forces: gravitational force and magnetic force

Forces in Nature

A massive funnel of wind called tornado is destructive.

A series of huge waves called tsunami can cause major destruction

Prepared By: Celine Yeo

Date: May 2021