Question

Is it true that two bodies exert forces on each other only when they are in contact?

Answer 1

Force:

1. Force is described as the effort done to bring about a change in the object. This change can be in the form of a change in shape, size, orientation, velocity, or configuration of the object.
2. These forces are categorized as, contact force and non-contact force

(a): Contact force

1. Contact forces are those forces where the interacting bodies make a contact by the virtue of which a change is imparted onto the bodies.
2. Frictional force, normal reaction, string tension, and spring force are examples of contact forces.

(b): Non-contact force

1. Non-Contact forces are those forces where the interacting bodies are not in direct contact but are still in the presence of each other, demonstrating a change.
2. Gravitational force, electrostatic force, and magnetic force are examples of non-contact forces.

Some real-life examples of non-contact force:

1. An apple drops from a tree because of gravitational force, iron pins are drawn to a magnet due to magnetic force when you comb dry hair, and a piece of paper sticks to the comb this happens because of electrostatic force.
2. Although the objects in all of the examples above are not in close contact, there is no direct contact between the objects but still, a push or pull has been experienced. As a result, we can conclude that physical contact between bodies is not required for a force to act.

It is false if we say that two bodies exert forces on each other only when they are in contact with each other.