Balanced vs Unbalanced forces and the 6 types of forces

There are six common types of forces discussed:

1. Gravitational Force: Represented as F_g or W (weight), it's the force of gravity pulling towards the center of a planet or massive object.

2. Normal Force: The force between two surfaces in contact, always perpendicular to the surfaces. Denoted as F_n.

3. Friction Force: Occurs when two surfaces try to slide across each other, either static or sliding friction. Represented as F_f . It opposes the direction of motion or potential motion.

4. Tension Force: Present in ropes, strings, or wires pulled taut, acting along the length of the rope. Symbolized as F_T.

5. Spring Force: Exists when a spring is deformed from its resting length, either stretched or compressed. Symbolized as F_s.

6. Drag Force: Also known as air resistance, it opposes the motion of an object moving quickly through the air. Represented as F_d.

To understand the types of forces being made use this sentence:

The _______ force that the _________ exerts on the _________

Force

• A force is a push or a pull on an object. 

•  Objects will always move in the direction of the force.

Non-Contact Force

Force that does not

require two objects to

touch

Contact Force

Force that requires two objects are touching

Gravitational Force

• Gravitational force is smaller between objects with small masses

• Gravitational force is larger between objects with larger masses.

• If the distance between two objects is increased, the gravitational force pulling them together is reduced.

• The arrows indicate the gravitational force between the objects. The width of the arrows indicates the strength of the force.

Mass vs. Weight

• Mass is a measure of how much matter is in something.

• Does not change

• Weight is the measure of the pull of gravity on an object.

• Will change if gravity changes

Balanced Force

• Equal force is applied to an object.

• Forces work against each other and

cancel each other out.

Unbalanced Force

• Unequal forces are applied to an object.

• Object's motion will change.

• Object’s direction will change.

NET FORCE

• Combination of all forces acting on an object

• If the forces are acting in the same direction on the object, add the forces together.

• If the forces are acting in the opposite direction on the object, subtract the forces.

Distance - Time Graphs

• These graphs tell us how far, how fast and what direction and object traveled.

• The object that is traveling the fastest will have the steepest line.