Different forces act in different ways. Some pull objects downward, some push upward, and others resist motion or pull through ropes and cables.

Common Types of Forces

There are many types of forces we encounter in physics and everyday life. Here are some of the most common:

  1. Gravitational Force (Weight): The force of attraction between any two objects with mass. On Earth, this is the force pulling objects downwards towards the planet’s center. We often call this an object’s weight.
  2. Normal Force: The support force exerted by a surface on an object in contact with it. It always acts perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the surface.
  3. Friction Force: A force that opposes motion (or attempted motion) between two surfaces in contact. It acts parallel to the surface.
  4. Tension Force: A pulling force transmitted axially by means of a string, cable, chain, or similar one-dimensional continuous object. It always acts along the length of the string or cable.
  5. Applied Force: A force that is applied to an object by a person or another object. This is a general term for any direct push or pull.

Interactive: Visualizing Forces

Click on different scenarios to see how various forces act on objects!

``` Visualizing Types of Forces An interactive demonstration of different types of forces acting on objects in various scenarios. Surface Object F_g (Weight) F_N F_f F_app F_T

Click on different scenarios to see how various forces act on objects!

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