Question

With respect to non-contact forces, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?

• A. Non-contact forces can act only when the two bodies are in contact with each other.
• B. Non-contact forces can act only when the two bodies are not in contact with each other.
• C. Non-contact forces can act when the bodies are in contact with each other.
• D. Non-contact forces can act when the bodies are not in contact with each other.

Answer 1

Answer: (C), (D)

The correct options are
C Non-contact forces can act when the bodies are in contact with each other.
D Non-contact forces can act when the bodies are not in contact with each other.

Non-contact forces can act in both the cases, i.e., when the bodies are in contact with each other and when they are not in contact with each other. For example, for gravitational force due to earth on bodies, it acts on the bodies resting on ground as well as on bodies flying in Earth's atmosphere.