Contact Forces
Science: KS3, topic 3.2.2
Contact and Non-Contact Forces
There are two types of forces: contact and non-contact.
Contact forces
- Contact forces are examples of forces that need to be in contact with each other for objects to be able to move. Examples include:
- Friction - a force between two surfaces that rub together.
- Air resistance - a type of frictional force that slows objects as they fall.
- Tension - a force that acts through a cable, wire or string.
Non-contact forces
- Non-contact forces are examples of forces that do not need to be in contact with each other for each of the objects to be able to move.
- Magnetic forces - a magnetic force can be felt through magnets even if they are not touching.
- Gravitational forces - gravity attracts objects when they are not touching, such as when you drop a pen and it falls to the Earth.
- Static electricity - a force that acts between two charged objects.
Test yourself on Contact Forces
Which of these is a non-contact force?