Force examples

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In physics, a force is defined as a push or pull exerted on an object.[1][2] It is an interaction that can induce a change in the object’s motion.[3] The presence of a force is observed whenever two objects interact with each other.[4]

Examples

Toy train

Force example - toy train
A toy train being pulled with force | Image: Stock photo, unknown source[●]

When a toy train, attached to a thread, is pulled by hand while resting on the floor, an interaction occurs between the hand and the thread. This interaction generates a force that propels the toy train forward. Thus, the hand exerts a force on the toy train to initiate its movement.

Ball

Force example - ball
Powerful kick exerting force on a ball | Image: Stock photo, unknown source[●]

When someone kicks a ball with their leg, a force is applied to the ball, causing it to move forward. This force is generated through the interaction between the leg and the ball. Therefore, when a ball is kicked with the leg, there is a force exerted by the leg on the ball.

Glass of water

Force example - glass of water
Kid applying force to lift a glass of water | Image: Stock photo, unknown source[●]

Consider a glass of water placed on a desk. When a hand is used to pick up the glass, a force is exerted on it. The force of the hand acts on the glass of water, allowing it to be lifted and moved.

Horse-drawn vehicle

Force example - horse-drawn vehicle
Horse exerting strong force to pull a cart | Image: Stock photo, unknown source[●]

When a horse pulls a cart, an interaction between the horse and the cart generates a force that propels the cart forward. This force, exerted by the horse, enables the cart to move.

Punching bag

Force example - punching bag
Girl impacting a punching bag with force | Image: Stock photo, unknown source[●]

When a person strikes a punching bag with their fist, an interaction occurs between the fist and the bag. This interaction results in a force that causes the punching bag to move forward and be displaced. Thus, when a person hits a punching bag, there is a force exerted by the fist onto the bag.

Door

Force example - door
Hand exerting force to close a door | Image: Stock photo, unknown source[●]

When closing a door with your hand, an interaction occurs between your hand and the door. This interaction results in a force that causes the door to move and close. Therefore, when you close a door with your hand, there is a force exerted by your hand on the door.

Trolley

Force example - trolley
Man applying force to push a trolley | Image: Stock photo, unknown source[●]

When a trolley is pushed by hand, a force is applied. The interaction between the hand and the trolley generates this force, causing the trolley to move forward. Thus, the hand exerts a force on the trolley when it is pushed.

Dumbbell

Force example - dumbbell
A man lifting a dumbbell with great force | Image: Stock photo, unknown source[●]

When a dumbbell is lifted by hand, a force is exerted on it. The interaction between the hand and the dumbbell generates this force, resulting in the upward movement of the dumbbell. Therefore, when someone lifts a dumbbell with their hand, there is a force of the hand acting on the dumbbell.

Window

Force example - window
Woman exerting force to open a window | Image: Stock photo, unknown source[●]

In a typical situation, opening a window with a hand involves the application of force. When a window is opened using a hand, an interaction occurs between the hand and the window, resulting in a force being exerted. It is a general principle that when two objects interact, a force is present. Hence, when a window is opened or closed with a hand, a force from the hand acts upon the window.

Related

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Image credit

  • The stock photos used in this post are sourced from platforms like Pexels, Pixabay, Canva, etc. Due to the age of the images, their specific origins remain unknown.

References

  1. Force – NASA (.gov)
  2. What is Force – National Institute of Standards and Technology (.gov)
  3. Forces & Tools – National Park Service (.gov)
  4. Forces Lesson 6b: Explaining Forces and Motion in Real-Life Scenarios – Cal Poly Pomona

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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