Question

Force can be defined as

Answer 1

Step 1: Definition of Force

Force can be defined as an effort that changes the state of motion or shape of an object. It can be a pull or push.

Step 2: Force and its types

The quantity of force is expressed by the vector product of mass $\left(m\right)$ and acceleration $\left(a\right)$. The equation or the formula for force can mathematically be expressed in the form of:

$F=ma$

The standard international system of unit (SI unit) is expressed in newton $\left(N\right)$.

Step 3: Types of forces

The two types of forces are:

1. Contact Force: Force that acts directly on a body or through a medium.
2. Non-Contact Force: Force that acts without making direct contact with the body through spaces.

Step 4: Effects of Force

A few examples of the effects of force are:

1. When a force is applied to a body at rest, it will start moving with acceleration.
2. When a force is applied to a body in motion, it will either accelerate or decelerate depending on the direction of the force applied.
3. When force is applied to a fixed body, it will deform its shape and size.
4. Even for the rigid body external force applied may not completely change the shape of the body, but it will still affect the internal structure of the body to some extent.

Step 5: Net Force

Force can also be classified as a balanced and unbalanced force.

1. When many forces are applied to a body from several directions with different or same magnitudes, if the net force acting on the body is zero, then the state of rest or motion of the body does not change. This is known as balanced force.

2. On the other hand, when many forces are applied to a body from several directions with different or same magnitudes, if the net force acting on the body is non-zero, then the state of rest or motion of the body changes. This is known as an unbalanced force.