Applied force examples

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An applied force refers to the force exerted on an object by another object or a person. 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.

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Examples

Propelling a bicycle forward

When a bicycle with a kid sitting on it is pushed from the back, it demonstrates an example of applied force. Applied force refers to the force exerted on an object by another object or person. In this case, when a hand pushes the bicycle from behind, the force applied by the hand acts on the bicycle. This applied force causes the bicycle, with the kid on it, to move forward. Therefore, when a bicycle with a kid sitting on it is pushed by hand, an applied force is at play.

Dispensing soap from a bottle

When using a bottle of hand soap, the lid is pressed with a finger to dispense the liquid. This pressing action demonstrates an applied force, as the finger applies force to the lid, causing the liquid to come out. Therefore, when the lid of a hand soap bottle is pressed with a finger, an applied force is at work.

Squeezing a sponge ball

Pressing a soft sponge ball with the hand demonstrates the concept of applied force. The hand exerts force on the sponge ball, causing it to gradually compress. This force, exerted by an external object or person, is referred to as applied force. Therefore, when the hand applies pressure to the sponge ball, an applied force is at work.

Operating a light switch

When the lights in a room are turned on or off, an applied force is involved. By exerting force on the switch, typically with the hand, the lights can be controlled. This force exerted on the switch is known as an applied force, which refers to force applied to an object by another object or person. Therefore, when the hand is used to turn the lights on or off, there is an applied force acting on the switch.

Molding a lump of clay

When a potter molds a clay pot with their hand, they apply an external force to shape the lump of clay. This force exerted by the hand on the clay is an example of applied force. It is this applied force that allows the potter to give the clay pot its desired shape. Therefore, when a clay pot is crafted by hand from a lump of clay, an applied force is at work in shaping the clay.

Lifting a book

Imagine a book resting on the floor that needs to be lifted. To achieve this, force is exerted using the hand. This action of applying force with the hand to lift the book is known as an applied force. An applied force refers to the type of force that is exerted on an object by another object or person. In this scenario, the hand applies force to the book, allowing it to be lifted.

Stretching a bow

When an archer stretches a bow, they apply a force to the bow using their hand. This force, known as an applied force, is essential in the mechanics of archery. By stretching the bow, the archer stores potential energy in it. When the bow is released, this stored energy is transferred to the arrow, propelling it forward. Therefore, the act of stretching a bow with the hand involves the application of an applied force, which is fundamental to the functioning of archery.

Crushing a plastic bottle

Crushing plastic bottles with the hand involves the application of an applied force. When force is exerted with the hand or leg to crush a plastic bottle, pressure is applied, resulting in the deformation and eventual crushing of the bottle. Hence, when a plastic bottle is crushed by applying force with the hand, it demonstrates the presence of an applied force acting on the bottle.

Opening or closing a door

When a door is opened or closed using the hand, it involves the application of force. The force exerted by the hand causes the door to move. This interaction between the hand and the door demonstrates an example of applied force. Applied force refers to the force applied to an object by another object or person. In this case, the hand applies force to the door, resulting in its movement. Hence, when a door is opened or closed with the hand, an applied force is at play.

Loosening or tightening a glass jar lid

Opening a pickle jar by hand demonstrates applied force. The hand exerts force on the lid to open it. This force, called an applied force, is applied from the hand to the lid. Thus, when a pickle jar is opened or closed manually, an applied force is at play on the lid.

Applied force formula