Applied force

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An applied force refers to the force exerted on an object by another object or a person.[1][2] It is the result of a direct application of force to the object, typically through physical contact. The applied force can cause a change in the motion or state of the object, leading to acceleration or deformation, depending on the nature of the interaction.

Examples

Bicycle

Applied force example - Bicycle
By applying force, a bicycle is propelled forward | Image: Pixabay

When a child sits on a bicycle and someone pushes it from behind, it exemplifies applied force. Applied force is the action of one object exerting a force on another object, resulting in a change in its motion or state of rest. In this scenario, the force exerted by the person’s hand propels the bicycle forward, demonstrating the concept of applied force in action.

Soap dispenser

Applied force example - Soap dispenser
Through the application of an applied force with a finger, the dispenser’s lid is pressed, resulting in the extraction of liquid from the soap dispenser | Image: Pixabay

When pressing the lid of a hand soap dispenser with a finger, an applied force is exerted. In this example, the finger applies a downward force on the lid, causing it to be pushed into the dispenser. This applied force overcomes any resistance or friction present, allowing the lid to move and the soap to be dispensed.

Stress ball

Applied force example - Stress ball
Applying force to a stress ball, causing it to compress or deform, demonstrates the concept of applied force | Image: Stock photo

When pressing a sponge ball with a hand, the hand applies a force to compress the sponge. This force causes the air pockets within the sponge to collapse, reducing its volume temporarily. As a result, the sponge becomes denser and changes shape. The applied force also determines the degree of compression and how much the sponge ball deforms under pressure.

Light switch

Applied force example - Light switch
Applying force with a finger to a switch and controlling the light demonstrates the concept of applied force | Image: Stock photo

Turning a light switch on or off with a finger involves applying force to the switch mechanism. When the finger pushes or toggles the switch, it applies a force that changes the position of the switch contacts, either completing or breaking the electrical circuit. This action controls the flow of electricity to the light bulb, turning it on or off accordingly.

Pottery

Applied force example - Pottery
When a lump of clay is shaped by applying force to it, it provides a clear demonstration of the concept of applied force | Image: Pixabay

When a potter molds a clay pot with their hand, they apply various forces to shape and manipulate the clay. These forces involve pressing, pinching, pulling, and smoothing the clay to achieve the desired form and texture. By applying pressure and manipulating the clay’s shape, the potter can create intricate designs and functional pottery pieces.

Book

Applied force example - Book
The act of lifting a book from the floor with the hand illustrates the concept of applied force in action | Image: Stock photo

Lifting a book from the floor with the hand requires applying an upward force to overcome gravity. When the hand grasps the book and lifts it, the muscles in the hand and arm contract, generating the necessary force to raise the book against the pull of gravity. The applied force must exceed the gravitational force acting on the book to lift it off the floor.

Bow and arrow

Applied force example - Bow and arrow
By using the hand to apply force and stretch a bow, one can observe the concept of applied force in action | Image: Pixabay

When an archer stretches a bow, they apply force to flex the bow’s limbs. This force, known as draw weight, stores potential energy in the bow. As the archer pulls back on the bowstring, the limbs bend, storing elastic energy. When the arrow is released, this stored energy is transferred to the arrow, propelling it forward with greater speed and force.

Plastic bottle

Applied force example - Plastic bottle
Crushing a plastic bottle is an example of applied force | Image: Pexels

Crushing a plastic bottle involves applying force to collapse the bottle. By squeezing or pressing the bottle, the applied force causes the plastic material to deform and buckle under pressure. The plastic bottle’s structure is altered as it undergoes plastic deformation, resulting in a change in shape and volume.

Door

Applied force example - Door
Opening or closing a door by applying force demonstrates the concept of applied force | Image: Pexels

Opening or closing a door involves applying force to the door handle or knob. When the hand grasps the handle and pushes or pulls, it applies a force that causes the door to move. This action results in the door either swinging open to allow passage through the doorway or swinging closed to block entry or exit. The movement of the door changes its position relative to the door frame, altering the accessibility of the space on either side of the door.

Mason jar

Applied force example - Mason jar
Loosening or tightening the lid of a glass jar using applied force is a common example in daily life | Image: Pixabay

Loosening or tightening the lid of a glass mason jar requires applying force to rotate the lid. When the hand grips the lid and twists it clockwise (tightening) or counterclockwise (loosening), the applied force causes the threads on the lid and jar to engage or disengage. This action creates or breaks the seal between the lid and the jar’s mouth, making it easier to open or close the jar.

Formula

Applied force formula
Applied force formula | Image: Learnool

The applied force formula, represented by FA, describes the connection between mass (m) and acceleration (a). It states that the applied force is equal to the product of the mass and acceleration of an object. By utilizing the formula FA = m × a, it becomes possible to accurately calculate the magnitude of the force being applied to the object.

Practice problems

Problem #1

A bowling ball with a mass of 2 kg is accelerating forward at a rate of 20 m/s2. Calculate the applied force on the bowling ball.

Solution

Given data:

  • Mass of a bowling ball, m = 2 kg
  • Acceleration of a bowling ball, a = 20 m/s2
  • Force applied on a bowling ball, FA = ?

Applying the formula:

  • FA = m × a
  • FA = 2 × 20
  • FA = 40 N

Therefore, the force applied on a bowling ball is 40 N.

Problem #2

Determine the force applied to a 5 kg trolley in order to make it accelerate forward at a rate of 10 m/s2.

Solution

Given data:

  • Force applied on a trolley, FA = ?
  • Mass of a trolley, m = 5 kg
  • Acceleration of a trolley, a = 10 m/s2

Applying the formula:

  • FA = m × a
  • FA = 5 × 10
  • FA = 50 N

Therefore, the force applied on a trolley is 50 N.

Problem #3

What is the value of the force applied to a toy car with a mass of 1 kg, which is accelerating at a rate of 12 m/s2?

Solution

Given data:

  • Force applied on a toy car, FA = ?
  • Mass of a toy car, m = 1 kg
  • Acceleration of a toy car, a = 12 m/s2

Applying the formula:

  • FA = m × a
  • FA = 1 × 12
  • FA = 12 N

Therefore, the force applied on a toy car is 12 N.

Problem #4

Calculate the force applied to a 4 kg wooden block that is accelerating further at a rate of 36 m/s2.

Solution

Given data:

  • Force applied on a wooden block, FA = ?
  • Mass of a wooden block, m = 4 kg
  • Acceleration of a wooden block, a = 36 m/s2

Applying the formula:

  • FA = m × a
  • FA = 4 × 36
  • FA = 144 N

Therefore, the force applied on a wooden block is 144 N.

More topics

References

  1. Applied Force – University of Tasmania
  2. Flexi answers – What is the definition of applied force? – CK-12 Foundation

External links

Deep

Learnool.com was founded by Deep Rana, who is a mechanical engineer by profession and a blogger by passion. He has a good conceptual knowledge on different educational topics and he provides the same on this website. He loves to learn something new everyday and believes that the best utilization of free time is developing a new skill.

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