FORCE
A push or pull on an object. Can cause an object to start or stop moving or change the way that an object is moving.
NET FORCE
The overall force acting on an object.
UNBALANCED FORCE
When a net force changes an object’s motion. Results when multiple forces are exerted on an object in the same direction.
BALANCED FORCES
Equal forces acting on an object in opposite directions. The forces cancel out and will not change an objects motion.
CONTACT FORCE
When two objects are in contact, each object exerts a force on the other that pushes it away.
FRICTION
The force that one substance exerts on another when the two rub against each other.
GRAVITATIONAL FORCE
The force that earth exerts that pulls you and everything near Earth’s surface toward Earth’s center. Also responsible for holding the planets in orbit around the sun.
MAGNETIC FORCE
The force caused by magnets. Magnets have a north and a south pole. North attracts to South, and North repels North. The pushes and pulls are due to magnetic force.
ELECTRICAL FORCE
Caused by the charged parts of atoms. When the charges are brought near each other, they either exert a pull or a push on each other. Ex. Static Electricity