Introduction to Forces

A set of vocabulary flashcards to help students understand key concepts related to forces in physics.

Force

A push or pull on an object.

Magnetism

The force of attraction or repulsion between two magnets.

Friction

The force that opposes motion when two surfaces rub together.

Contact Force

A force that requires objects to be in physical contact to affect each other.

Non-Contact Force

A force that acts at a distance without physical contact, such as gravity or magnetism.

Newton

The unit of force, abbreviated as 'N'.

Newton Meter

A device used to measure the size of a force.

Interaction Pair

A pair of forces acting on two interacting objects, typically equal in size and opposite in direction.

Attraction (in magnets)

The force that pulls together the opposite poles of magnets.

Repulsion (in magnets)

The force that pushes away like poles of magnets.

Gravity

A non-contact force that pulls objects towards the earth.

Examples of Forces

Including friction, air resistance, gravity, and magnetism.

Direction of Force

Indicated by arrows, showing which way the force is acting.

Size of Force

Determined by the length of the arrow in force diagrams.