Difference between revisions of "Force"
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A '''force''', defined informally, is a "push or pull" on a physical body. The [[SI]] unit for force is the [[newton]]. Force has [[direction]] as well as [[magnitude]], meaning it's a vector. | A '''force''', defined informally, is a "push or pull" on a physical body. The [[SI]] unit for force is the [[newton]]. Force has [[direction]] as well as [[magnitude]], meaning it's a vector. | ||
| − | ==Formal | + | ==Formal definition== |
A force is that which may cause a physical body with [[mass]] to accelerate in a given [[direction]]. If the forces acting upon a body cancel out, then the body is in [[equilibrium]] and does not accelerate. | A force is that which may cause a physical body with [[mass]] to accelerate in a given [[direction]]. If the forces acting upon a body cancel out, then the body is in [[equilibrium]] and does not accelerate. | ||
| − | ==Newton's | + | ==Newton's 3 laws of motion== |
Issac Newton, a brilliant scientist and mathematician, came up with three laws about motion, that somewhat relate to force: | Issac Newton, a brilliant scientist and mathematician, came up with three laws about motion, that somewhat relate to force: | ||
| − | First Law: | + | |
| + | == First Law:== | ||
The first law, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object will remain at rest or at motion unless a force is applied to it. | The first law, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object will remain at rest or at motion unless a force is applied to it. | ||
| − | Second Law: | + | |
| + | == Second Law:== | ||
<math>F=ma</math> The second law states that force equals mass times acceleration. | <math>F=ma</math> The second law states that force equals mass times acceleration. | ||
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| − | ==See | + | == Third Law:== |
| + | If object A exerts a force on object B (an action), then object B also exerts a force on object A (a reaction). These two forces have the same magnitude but but opposite direction. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==See also== | ||
*[[Physics]] | *[[Physics]] | ||
*[[Work]] | *[[Work]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:37, 24 November 2024
A force, defined informally, is a "push or pull" on a physical body. The SI unit for force is the newton. Force has direction as well as magnitude, meaning it's a vector.
Contents
Formal definition
A force is that which may cause a physical body with mass to accelerate in a given direction. If the forces acting upon a body cancel out, then the body is in equilibrium and does not accelerate.
Newton's 3 laws of motion
Issac Newton, a brilliant scientist and mathematician, came up with three laws about motion, that somewhat relate to force:
First Law:
The first law, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object will remain at rest or at motion unless a force is applied to it.
Second Law:
The second law states that force equals mass times acceleration.
Third Law:
If object A exerts a force on object B (an action), then object B also exerts a force on object A (a reaction). These two forces have the same magnitude but but opposite direction.
See also
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