Force Topics
Friction
Friction is a force that opposes motion between two surfaces that are in contact with each other. It occurs
when two surfaces try to slide, roll, or move against each other. Friction is a contact force that arises from
the interaction between the surfaces, and its magnitude depends on the nature of the surfaces and the force
pressing them together.
Types of Friction:
1. Static Friction: This type of friction occurs when an object is stationary and a force is applied to try to
move it. Static friction prevents the object from moving until the force applied overcomes the
frictional force.
2. Kinetic Friction (also known as Dynamic Friction): This type of friction occurs when an object is already
moving, and it opposes the motion. Kinetic friction is typically weaker than static friction.
3. Rolling Friction: This type of friction occurs when an object rolls over a surface, like a ball or a wheel.
Rolling friction is typically weaker than static or kinetic friction.
4. Fluid Friction (also known as Viscosity): This type of friction occurs when an object moves through a
fluid (liquid or gas), like air or water. Fluid friction depends on the viscosity of the fluid and the speed
of the object.
Examples:
• Static Friction:
o Trying to push a heavy box that's stationary on the floor.
o The force required to start moving a car that's parked on a slope.
• Kinetic Friction:
o The force required to keep pushing the box once it's already
moving.
o The brakes on a car applying friction to slow it down.
• Rolling Friction:
o A bowling ball rolling on a lane.
o A car's wheels rolling on the road.
• Fluid Friction:
o Air resistance on a plane or a parachute.
o Water resistance on a swimmer or a boat.
Friction is an essential force in our daily lives, and understanding its different types can help us design better
systems, reduce energy loss, and improve efficiency.
Tension
Tension is a force that occurs when an object is stretched or
pulled apart. It's a type of internal force that arises within an
object, like a string, rope, or cable, when it's subjected to an
external force.
Imagine holding a rubber band stretched between your hands. The
rubber band wants to return to its original shape, so it exerts a
force on your hands, trying to pull them together. That's tension!
Tension can be found in various forms, such as:
• A tightrope walker's rope
• A guitar string
• A tow rope
• A suspension bridge's cables
Tension helps objects withstand external forces, but excessive tension can lead to breakage or failure. It's an
essential concept in physics and engineering, helping us design and understand many structures and systems.
Normal force
Normal force is the force exerted by a surface on an object in contact with it, perpendicular to the surface.
It's the force that keeps the object from passing through the surface.
Imagine placing a book on a table. The table exerts an upward force on the book, equal to the weight of the
book, to keep it from falling through. This upward force is the normal force.
Normal force is:
• Perpendicular to the surface
• Equal in magnitude to the weight of the object (when the object is at rest)
• Dependent on the surface's rigidity and the object's weight
Normal force plays a crucial role in understanding many phenomena, such as friction, equilibrium, and
motion. It's an essential concept in physics, helping us analyse and predict the behaviour of objects in various
situations.
Buoyancy
It's the upward force that fluids (like water or air) exert on objects partially or fully submerged in them.
Imagine holding a ball underwater. The water pushes the ball up, making it feel lighter. That's buoyancy in
action! The magnitude of the buoyant force depends on:
1. The density of the fluid
2. The volume of the fluid displaced by the object
3. The weight of the fluid displaced
According to Archimedes' Principle, the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the
object. This explains why some objects float, sink, or remain suspended in a fluid.
Buoyancy plays a significant role in various phenomena, such as:
• Ships floating on water
• Objects sinking or floating in a bathtub
• Hot air balloons rising in the air
• Submarines diving and surfacing
Archimedes' Principle:
The buoyant force (or upward force) exerted on an object immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the
fluid displaced by the object.
Case 1: Object Less Dense than Fluid
• The object displaces a volume of fluid that weighs more than the object itself.
• The buoyant force is greater than the weight of the object.
• The object floats or rises.
Example: A piece of wood floating on water.
Case 2: Object Equally Dense as Fluid
• The object displaces a volume of fluid that weighs the same as the object.
• The buoyant force is equal to the weight of the object.
• The object remains suspended or neutrally buoyant.
Example: A fish hovering in the water.
Case 3: Object Denser than Fluid
• The object displaces a volume of fluid that weighs less than the object.
• The buoyant force is less than the weight of the object.
• The object sinks.
Example: A rock sinking in water.
