“Types of Forces in Physics with Example: Easy Guide for Students”

Have you ever wondered why objects move, stop, or change direction? The answer lies in forces. In physics, a force is simply a push or pull that changes the state of motion of an object. Understanding the different types of forces is one of the most important concepts in physics, especially for students preparing for exams. This guide explains the types of forces in physics, using examples in a simple, student-friendly manner.

What is Force in Physics?

A push or pull is defined as a force. Force always acts between two bodies that interact with each other. It is a vector quantity, possessing both magnitude and direction. The magnitude of the force tells us the strength of the force and the direction of the force tells us in which direction the force is applied.

Various types of forces are calculated using various formulas and the main formula used to calculate the force acting on the body of mass ‘m kg’ and accelerating at ‘a m/s²‘ is,

F=MA

Types of Forces in Physics

For simplicity, forces are divided into two main categories:

A. Contact Forces

Contact force is the force acting between two surfaces in contact and is further categorized into various types that are,

• Muscular Force
• Frictional Force
• Normal Force
• Applied Force
• Tension Force
• Spring Force
• Air Resistance Force, etc.

Frictional Force

Friction is a force between two surfaces that are sliding, rolling or dragging across each other. For example, If we try to push an object like book along the floor, friction makes this difficult. Frictional force or opposing force always works in the direction opposite to the direction in which the object is moving, or trying to move. Friction always slows the speed of a moving object down.

The amount of frictional force exerted depends on the materials of which the two surfaces are made up of. As we increase the extent of roughness in the surface, more friction is produced. Friction also produces heat.

Example of Frictional Force

Various example of frictional force are,

• Frictional force is a useful force because it prevents our shoes from slipping on the floor when we walk and stops car tyres from skidding on the road.
• When you walk, friction is caused between the thread of shoes and the surface of the ground. This friction acts to grip the ground and prevent sliding on the road.
• Players use spikes in their shoes to enhance the friction between the ground and the shoes so that they don’t slip.
• Players use gloves during batting to increase the friction and decrease the chances of slipping the bat from their hand.

Friction Force Formula

The force of friction is calculated by using the following formula

F = μN

Muscular force

Muscular force, often referred to as muscular strength, is the physical power exerted by muscles to perform various actions, such as lifting, pushing, or pulling objects. It results from the contraction of muscles and is vital for human mobility and functionality. In practical terms, it is the strength generated by skeletal muscles through voluntary effort. For instance, in arm wrestling, both participants apply their muscular force to overcome each other’s resistance, determining the winner. This force enables individuals to engage in activities ranging from daily tasks like lifting objects to athletic pursuits like weightlifting or sprinting. It highlights the essential role of muscular force in human physical performance.

Example of Muscular Force

Various example of muscular force includes,

• Muscular forces can also be required in Strolling, lifting, getting up from a seat, crossing a leg.
• In a game of tug of war, the team which pulls the rope with a greater force wins as the rope goes in the direction of greater force.
• Whenever we are to lift a book or any object we need to apply a force that is greater than the reaction force exerted by the object.

A man pushing a block with muscular force is shown in the image added below,

• Normal Force
  • The support force exerted by a surface on an object resting on it.
  • Example: A book resting on a table.
• Applied Force
  • A force applied by a person or another object.
  • Example: Pushing a shopping cart.
• Air Resistance (Drag) Force
  • Opposes the motion of an object moving through air.
  • Example: A parachute slowing down a skydiver.
• Spring Force
  • Exerted by a compressed or stretched spring.
  • Example: Spring in a toy gun or car suspension.

B. Non-Contact Forces

These forces act without physical contact.

1. Gravitational Force
   • Attraction between any two masses.
   • Example: An apple falling from a tree due to Earth’s gravity.
2. Magnetic Force
   • Force between magnetic poles.
   • Example: Magnets attracting iron nails.
3. Electrostatic Force
   • Force between charged particles.
   • Example: A balloon rubbed on hair sticks to a wall due to static charge.