Forces Flashcards
Define force and what can a force do
- Push or pull
- Change speed, direction or shape of an object
What can be used to measure a force
Spring balance
5 examples of force
- Weight
- Normal contact force
- Tension
- Compression
- Friction
Weight
Pull exerted by the earth on a mass
Normal contact force
- Push exerted by surface to support masses resting on it
- Its direction is perpendicular to the surface of contact
Compression
Push exerted on an object to ‘squeeze’ it
Friction
Push or pull to oppose motion
2 terms to call an object when its net movement is 0
- Balanced
- in equilibrium
What makes an object at equilibrium
- Constant speed
- Not moving/ at rest
What causes friction
The irregularities in the surfaced in mutual contact.
- Not dependent on surface area of contact
Formula to calculate weight
W = m x g
[weight = mass x gravitational force]
Define centre of gravity
A point where the weight of an object seems to act
geometric centre of the object
How to improve the stability of an object
- Lower centre of gravity
- wider base area/ larger base (in contact with the ground)
