Force : Definition, Types, Formula and Examples

Published on 16-Aug-2025

Force

When an object gets pushed or pulled, a force is acting on it. Forces are generated when objects interact with each other. Terms like squeeze or stretch can also be used to describe force.


Definition of Force

Force is an applied push or pull on an object with mass, which can change the object's velocity.

  • Force can change the state of a body from rest to motion or vice versa.

  • Force is a vector quantity, having both magnitude and direction.

  • Force can be negative depending on its direction.

Measurement of Force:

  • Using a spring balance

  • Unit: Newton (N)

  • Base unit: kg·m/s⊃2;

Formula:

F=maF = maF=ma

Where:

  • FFF = Force

  • mmm = Mass of the body

  • aaa = Acceleration of the body


Effects of Force

Motion: Change in speed or direction of a body.

Effects of Force:

  1. A resting body can be moved.

  2. A moving body can be stopped or slowed down.

  3. The speed of a moving body can be accelerated.

  4. Force can change the shape or size of a body.

  5. Force can change the direction of the body.


Types of Forces

1. Contact Forces

  • Mechanical force

  • Muscular force (e.g., bullocks or donkeys carrying heavy loads)

  • Frictional force (acts between surfaces in contact)

2. Non-Contact Forces

  • Gravitational force: Pulls objects toward the center of the Earth

  • Electrostatic force: Acts on charged objects from a distance

  • Magnetic force: Exerted by magnets on other magnets or magnetic materials


Examples of Force Calculations

  1. Car of mass 500 kg accelerating at 4 m/s⊃2;:

F=500×4=2000 NF = 500 \times 4 = 2000\,NF=500×4=2000N

  1. Lorry of mass 1500 kg accelerating at 5 m/s⊃2;:

F=1500×5=7500 NF = 1500 \times 5 = 7500\,NF=1500×5=7500N

  1. Truck of mass 700 kg accelerating at 4 m/s⊃2;:

F=700×4=2800 NF = 700 \times 4 = 2800\,NF=700×4=2800N

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