5.1.1

What are Forces?

Test yourself

What are Forces?

Forces act on everything you can see around you.

Illustrative background for Forces created by contactIllustrative background for Forces created by contact ?? "content

Forces created by contact

  • Forces can be caused by contact between two things.
  • Forces like twists, pushes, pulls or friction are created by contact between two things.
Illustrative background for Forces created by non-contactIllustrative background for Forces created by non-contact ?? "content

Forces created by non-contact

  • There are also non-contact forces.
  • Forces like magnetism and gravity are non-contact forces.
Illustrative background for ExampleIllustrative background for Example ?? "content

Example

  • When you are sat down, you have the following forces acting on your body:
    • The force of gravity (a non-contact force) pushing you down into the chair.
    • The force from the chair (a contact force) pushing up against gravity to make sure you don't fall through the chair!

Jump to other topics

1Year 5: Living Things & Their Habitats

2Year 5: Animals (Including Humans)

3Year 5: Properties & Changes of Materials

4Year 5: Earth & Space

5Year 5: Forces

6Year 6: Living Things & Their Habitats

7Year 6: Animals (Including Humans)

8Year 6: Evolution & Inheritance

9Year 6: Light

10Year 6: Electricity

11Year 5 & 6: Working Scientifically

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium