What is Force?
Understanding the Push and Pull That Shapes the World Around Us
Every day, you experience forces—whether you realize it or not. From the moment you
push open a door to the way your pencil presses onto a page, force is at work. But what
exactly is a force?
In science, a force is defined as a push or a pull that causes an object to change its motion,
direction, shape, or size. Forces make things move, stop, speed up, or slow down. The
strength of a force is measured in units called Newtons (N), named after Sir Isaac Newton.
The Effects of Force
- Start or stop an object
- Speed up or slow down an object
- Change an object’s direction
- Change an object’s shape or size
Balanced vs. Unbalanced Forces
🔹 Balanced Forces
Balanced forces occur when two forces acting on an object are equal in size but opposite in
direction. These forces cancel each other out, so the object does not move—or keeps
moving at the same speed.
Example: A book resting on a table has balanced forces acting on it.
🔸 Unbalanced Forces
Unbalanced forces occur when the forces are not equal. One force is stronger, causing a
change in motion. The object might speed up, slow down, or change direction.
Example: Pushing a box harder from one side makes it move in that direction.
What is Net Force?
Net force is the total force acting on an object. Here's how you calculate it:
- If forces are in the same direction: Add them
- If forces are in opposite directions: Subtract the smaller from the larger
Example: 35 N right - 25 N left = 10 N right (Unbalanced)
Gravity: A Special Kind of Force
Gravity is the force that pulls everything toward Earth’s center. It keeps your feet on the
ground, makes objects fall, and acts on everything around us.
In Summary
A force is a push or pull that can change how things move. Balanced forces cancel each other
out, while unbalanced forces cause movement. Understanding forces helps us better
understand the physical world around us.
