F2 Basic Readings C

F2 Basic Readings

What is a force?
A force is a push or pull.
It always has a size/magnitude (usually measured in newtons, N) and a direction.
We cannot see a force, but we can see its effects.
The effects of a force
make an object start moving
stop a moving object
change the speed of a moving object
change the direction of a moving object
change the shape of an object
change the size of an object
There are 2 main types of forces - contact forces are experienced or produced when objects
come into contact or touch (e.g. friction) and non-contact forces, which act on objects at a
distance (gravitational and magnetic forces).
Friction or frictional force
Friction is a force that opposes movement and acts in the opposite direction of the
movement.
Friction is produced whenever two surfaces are rubbed together.
The amount of friction depends on the type of surface - the rougher the surfaces, the
greater the amount of friction.
It also depends on the weight of the object - the heavier the object, the greater the
amount of friction.
Friction can be useful (an advantage) or problematic (a disadvantage).
Friction can be reduced through the use of lubricants, rollers, wheels and ball bearings.

Advantages of friction Disadvantages of friction

Prevents slipping and skidding Movement is slowed down if there

(e.g. soles of shoes) is too much friction, wasting
energy

Stops bicycles and vehicles Causes things to wear out (e.g.

(brakes) soles of shoes and tyres)

Fingerprint markings Produce sparks and even cause

fires

Gravity or gravitational force

Gravity is a force that pulls objects towards the Earth.
Gravity makes things in the air fall to the ground.
Gravity makes it hard for a person to ride a bicycle uphill or walk up a slope or a flight of
stairs.
Gravity causes objects on Earth to have weight.
The difference between weight and mass:
 Weight Mass
F2 Basic Readings C
The force of gravity acting on an The amount of matter in an object
object

Different on various planets (e.g. Constant (same amount of matter

the Earth and the Moon), since it wherever the object is)
depends on the gravitational force
exerted on the object at that place

Measured in newtons (N) Measured in kilograms (kg)

Enrichment
The Sun consists of about 99% of all matter in our Solar System. The Sun is massive
compared to the planets, and hence exerts a gravitational force on the planets, keeping
them in their respective orbits.
Weight is the force of gravity acting on an object. Weight depends on the:
Mass of the object - the greater the mass, the greater the weight.
Distance of the object from the Earth - the further the object is away from the Earth, the
smaller the gravitational force, hence the smaller the weight.
Relationship between weight and mass: weight on Earth = mass x 10
weight on Moon = mass x 1/6
Some instruments which measure weight (e.g. weighing scales, bathroom scales)
convert the reading to units of mass (kilograms and grams) instead of showing it in
newton. The readings would be incorrect if they are used on other planets.
The pull of gravity affects these instruments measuring weight.
If you are reading this, then inform the Science teacher that you have discovered an
easter egg.
Gravity causes things to fall when lifted from the ground. When an object is being lifted,
it gains gravitational potential energy because of its position above the ground.
Elastic force
Certain materials, when stretched or compressed, return to their original shapes when
released. These materials are elastic.
Used to make objects such as springs, rubber bands, balloons, etc.
A stretched material or object has elastic potential energy.
In springs, the greater the weight (force applied), the greater the extension of the
spring.
Always be yourself. Unless you can be a penguin, then always be a penguin.
Springs are useful and are used in spring balances, weighing machines, bicycle and car
shock absorbers, pens, battery holders, staplers, clothes pegs, trampolines and
mattresses, etc.
Magnetic force
Magnetic force can be a pushing force (like poles repelling each other) or a pulling force
(unlike poles attracting each other).
The strongest force is experienced at the poles of the magnet.
Magnetic force is useful in the following ways:
Forces of attraction: Keeping things shut (e.g. doors of fridges, pencil cases, handbags)
Forces of repulsion: Reduce friction for transport (e.g. magnetic levitation (maglev)
trains which are kept ‘afloat’ on the track by repelling forces)

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