Question

When can two bodies exert forces on one another?

Answer 1

Force:

The effort put forth to cause a change in an object is referred to as force. The object's shape, size, direction, velocity, or configuration can all change as a result of this modification. These forces are categorized as,

1. Contact forces are those that occur when two interacting bodies make contact and a change is transferred to the bodies as a result of the contact.
2. Frictional force, normal reaction, string tension, and spring force are examples of contact forces.
3. Non-contact forces are ones in which the interacting bodies are not in direct contact but are nevertheless present in each other's presence, indicating a change.
4. Gravitational force, electrostatic force, and magnetic force are examples of non-contact forces.

Consider the following scenarios:

1. A tree's apple falls to the ground.
2. Iron pins are drawn to a magnet.
3. When you rub a comb through dry hair, a piece of paper sticks to it.

There is no physical contact between the objects in any of the examples above, but there is still a push or pull. As a result, we can conclude that physical contact between bodies is not required for a force to act.

It is not necessarily required for two bodies to be in contact for them to exert force on one another. Any distance between them is possible.