Forces act on Systems

Every object in the universe experiences forces. All the different forces can be classified as
contact forces or action-at-a-distance forces. In this lesson, let’s explore these forces.
 Engage What is a force?

Identifying Forces A force is a push or pull that acts on an object.

Any object that is being pushed or
pulled is experiencing a force.
Looking at the image, make a list
of forces that you can find.

1. Tug of war
2. Bicycle
3. Dog
4. swings

For example, we can say, “The leash applies a force on the dog”.
 Explore Classifying Forces

Every object in the universe experiences forces. All the different forces Directions
described from the previous image can be classified as contact forces or
action-at-a-distance forces. Watch the following video,
then click on the link to
Contact Forces must touch the object that they push or pull. For example, access the activity.
hitting a baseball with a bat. Friction is a common element of this type of
force. Friction is a force that oppose the relative motion of an object. For
example, if you slide a hockey puck across a wooden floor, it will slow
down and stop because of the friction. Whereas, if the puck was to slide
across ice, it will move further because there is little friction.

Action-at-a-distance forces can push or pull an object without touching

it. Gravity, static electricity, and magnetism produce action-at-a-distance
forces. Gravity is a common element of this type of force. Gravity is the
attraction between two objects due to their mass. The amount of
attraction depends upon the amount of each object’s mass and the Drag and Drop
distance between both objects. For example, when we let go of a ball, the Activity
ball is pulled down to the ground by the force of gravity.
 Explain Mass vs. Weight

Describe the difference between mass and weight: Let’s see if you were correct ...
Mass is … mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an
Weight is ...object and remains constant regardless of location,
while weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity and
varies depending on the gravitational field.

What is the scientific definition of mass and weight:

Mass is … Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an

object. It is a scalar quantity and is measured in kilograms
(kg) in the International System of Units (SI).

Weight is ...Weight is the force exerted on an object due to

gravity. It is a vector quantity and is measured in newtons (N)
in the SI system.
 Explain Mass vs. Weight
Mass- The amount of matter or material within an object. A
bowling ball has a greater mass than a tennis ball because it The force of gravity (Fg) on any
has more matter within it. We measure mass in (kg) for large mass (m) near the surface of Earth
objects and (g) for smaller objects. can be calculated by:

Weight- The amount of force pulling on an object because of Fg = mg

gravity. It is measured in a unit called a Newton (N).
1 kg = 9.8 N/kg
On earth the force of gravity acting on each kg is 9.8N/kg. The
force of gravity acting on an object is equal to the weight of For example,to find the weight of a
the object. 50 kg student on Earth:

Fg = mg
Calculating the Force of Gravity (WEIGHT) = 50 kg x 9.8 N/kg
= 490 N
Force of gravity (Fg) = mass (m) x gravity (g)
Force of Gravity = (mass of the object) x (the strength of Earth’s gravitational field) Therefore, a 50 kg student weighs
490 N on Earth.
Let’s Practice solving for “Weight”
 Extend Forces act upon objects ...

Use transparent google images to create a scene that contains two contact
Directions forces and two action-at-a-distance forces.
 Classifying Forces
Instructions: Read over each description of a specific event, then drag and drop the force that
matches each.
Contact Force Action-at-a-Distance

Event Classify the force

1. An apple falling from a tree branch. gravity

2. A person uses a rope to pull a friend on a sled. tension

3. A magnet holds a picture on a fridge. Magnetic force

4. A sock is stuck to a sweater as it comes out of the dryer. Static electricity

5. When a person stops pedalling, the bike slows down. friction

6. Your hands become warmer as you rub them together. friction

7. Your friend has opened the door for you. Normal force
 Measuring Forces
TASK: Calculate the Weight of Location Strength of Mass (kg) Calculation to Determine Weight
Gravitational Weight
that 50kg person on each of the
Field(N/kg)
following planets and celestial Earth 9.8 50 fg=m x g
bodies. fg=50kgX9.8N/kg 490N
fg=490N
BE SURE TO INCLUDE ALL YOUR MATHEMATICAL Moon 1.6 50 80N
THINKING AND UNITS OF MEASURE! 50 kg × 1.6 N/kg = 80 N

Mars 3.2 50 160N

50 kg × 3.2 N/kg = 160 N

Jupiter 22.8 50 1140N

50 kg × 22.8 N/kg = 1140 N

Mercury 3.7 50 185N

50 kg × 3.7 N/kg = 185 N

Venus 8.8 50 440N

50 kg × 8.8 N/kg = 440 N

Saturn 10.4 50 520N

50 kg × 10.4 N/kg = 520 N
 Measuring Forces
TASK: Calculate the Weight of Location Strength of Mass (kg) Calculation to Determine Weight
Gravitational Weight
that 50kg person on each of the
Field(N/kg)
following planets and celestial Uranus 8.7 50 435N
bodies. 50 kg × 8.7 N/kg = 435 N

BE SURE TO INCLUDE ALL YOUR MATHEMATICAL Neptune 11 50 550N

THINKING AND UNITS OF MEASURE! 50 kg × 11 N/kg = 550 N

Pluto 0.6 50 30N

50 kg × 0.6 N/kg = 30 N
Eris 0.7 50 35N
50 kg × 0.7 N/kg = 35 N