Types of Forces

Vocabulary flashcards defining common types of forces, their symbols, and examples based on the lecture table.

Tension force

A force transmitted through a string, rope, cable or wire when pulled An example is a child swinging at the park.

Normal Force

A support force exerted upon an object that is in contact with another stable object, always perpendicular to contact

Air resistance (Drag)

A special type of frictional force that acts upon objects as they travel through the air (symbol: $F_{\text{drag}}$). An example is a skydiver falling after jumping off a plane.

Applied Force

A force exerted on an object by a person or another object (symbol: $F_{\text{app}}$). An example is pushing your chair in at the end of class.

Spring Force

A restoring force that attempts to return an object to its original shape (symbol: $F_{\text{spring}}$). An example is jumping on a trampoline.

Gravitational Force

An attractive force between matter (symbol: $F_{\text{g}}$). An example is an apple falling toward Earth.