Basics of Forces
What is the simple definition of a force?
A push or a pull
This force acts on an object or structure from the outside
An external force
This force acts from within a structure
an internal force
pushing a toy car across the floor is an example of this specific type of external force
contact force
this term describes where the force is making contact with a structure
point of application
Name three things a force can change about an object's motion.
Speed, shape, or direction
This natural external force acts on every object on Earth, pulling it downward.
gravity
this is a stretching force that expands or lengthens a structure
tension
a magnet pulling a paperclip without touching it; is an example of this type of force
non-contact force
this term refers to the size of the force being applied
What do we call the "how fast or slow" an object moves?
speed
These specific external forces are created when two objects touch each other
contact forces
this force squeezes or presses parts of a structure together
compression
when a dog plays tug-of-war, what internal force is being created within the rope
tension
this term describes where a force is coming from (up, down, left, right, etc)
Besides speed, a force can also change the way something moves, known as its _______.
direction
These external forces were created without any physical contact between objects
non-contact forces
this is the force that pushes parts of a structure in opposite directions
shear
what internal force is created by the mass of a roof sitting on a house
compression
TRUE OR FALSE: A force can change an object's shape
true
A force can make an object do these things regarding its movement
start moving or stop moving
Name three examples of external forces that were mentioned in our books or the slideshow
examples: Gravity, wind, water, movement of the Earth, or poeple walking
This internal force occurs when a structure is moved in a twisting motion
torsion
wind blowing against a skyscraper is an axample of this general type of force
external force
if you are pushing a box, what specific factor determines its magnitude
how hard you are pushing it.. the size of the force