Physics 1 Different Forces

weight w

gravitational pull of earth on an object. always pulls downwards

spring force Fsp

push (when compressed) or pulls (when stretched). push arrow faces toward right, pull arrow faces toward left. arrow is parallel to spring

tension force T

when a rope or wire pulls an object. arrow is parallel to rope/wire

normal force n

force exerted by surface (the agent) as an object is pressing against it. arrow is perpendicular to itself

kinetic friction fk

object slides across a surface. acts opposite of motion so the friction force points in the direction opposite of the objects motion. often acts with normal force. constant speed

static friction fs

force that keeps object stuck on surface. static friction points opposite the of the direction the object would move if there was no friction

drag D

resistive forces on an object as it moves through something fluid (air or liquid). arrow points opposite direction of motion

thrust t

when a jet or rocket engine expels gas molecules at a high speed