Force examples

The information on this page is ✔ fact-checked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

📝 Your feedback matters. Visit our contact page.

Related

• Force equation

More topics

• Force examples
• Normal force examples
• Balanced force examples
• Unbalanced force examples
• Applied force examples
• Compression force examples

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

• Types of Forces: Explanation, Review, and Examples – Albert
• Types of Forces – The Physics Classroom
• Force – Wikipedia
• Force in Physics | Definition, Equation & Types – Study.com
• The Meaning of Force – The Physics Classroom
• Force Definition and Examples (Science) – ThoughtCo
• Force Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster
• Force – Maths Is Fun
• What are some examples of forces? – Socratic