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FORCE
Force is a physical cause which changes or tends to change the state of rest or the motion of the body, or
changes shape, size, structure, etc. It is a vector quantity.

SI unit of force is Newton (N) and its CGS unit is Dyne (dyn).

𝟏 𝑵 = 𝟏𝟎𝟓 𝒅𝒚𝒏𝒆 [Relation between N and dyn]

One Newton is the force which when applied on a body of mass 1kg, produces an acceleration of 1 𝑚/𝑠 2 .

Force can produce following effect on a body:

• It can change the speed of a moving body.
• It can change the direction of motion of a moving body.
• It can make a body move or can stop a moving body.
• It can change shape, size and structure of a body.

Effect or force on rigid body causes two kinds of motion.

Linear or translational motion: If the body is rigid and free to move, it will move in a straight line in the
direction of force. Eg. Pushing a ball lying on the ground.

Rotational motion: If the body is rigid and pivoted at a point, it will make the body to rotate about a fixed
point.
Eg. Fan when switched on, wheel of a car, etc.

Effect of force on non-rigid body: It will change its shape, size, structure, etc.

Turning effect of force: When force is applied on a rigid body which is pivoted at a point, the body will
rotate about a fixed point. This effect of force is called turning effect of force. It is also called torque.

Moment of force: It is the product of the magnitude of the force and the perpendicular distance of the
point of application of force from the axis of rotation. It is a vector quantity.

Perpendicular distance of the point of application of force from axis of rotation.

F Point of action of force

Axis of rotation

𝑴𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 = 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 × 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆

SI unit is Newton meter (Nm) and CGS unit is Dyne centimeter (dyn cm).

𝟏 𝑵𝒎 = 𝟏𝟎𝟕 𝒅𝒚𝒏 𝒄𝒎 [ Relation between SI and CGS unit of moment of force]

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Factors affecting the moment of force (or turning effect of force or torque):

➢ the magnitude of the force, and

➢ the perpendicular distance of the point of application of force from the axis of rotation.

The gravitational units of moment of force in SI (or MKS) system is kgf m and in CGS system is gf cm.

𝟏 𝒌𝒈𝒇 𝒎 = 𝟗. 𝟖 𝑵𝒎 & 𝟏 𝒈𝒇 𝒄𝒎 = 𝟗𝟖𝟎 𝒅𝒚𝒏 𝒄𝒎

[Relation between the gravitational units of force and the absolute units of force]

Types of moment of force:

Anticlockwise moment of force: The applied force makes the body to turn in anticlockwise direction. It is
taken as positive.

Axis of rotation
F

Clockwise moment of force: The applied force makes the body to turn in clockwise direction. It is taken as
negative.

F
Axis of rotation

Net moment of force: Sum of anti-clockwise and the clockwise moment of force.

Couple: Pair of equal and opposite parallel forces not acting along the same line of action.
F
Couple arm

A B
P

𝑴𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒑𝒍𝒆 = 𝑬𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 × 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒎

SI unit is Newton meter (Nm) and CGS unit is Dyne centimeter (dyn cm).

Equilibrium: When a number of force acting on a body produce no change in its state of rest or of linear or
rotational motion, the body is said to be in equilibrium.
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Kinds of equilibrium:
Static equilibrium: When the body is at rest and the net moment of force on a body is zero, the body is
said to be in static equilibrium. Eg. Beam balance.

Dynamic equilibrium: When the body is in motion and the net force on a body is zero, the body is said to
be in dynamic equilibrium. Eg. Rain drops.

Principal of moment: (Equilibrium condition)

𝑺𝒖𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 = 𝑺𝒖𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆

Centre of gravity: is that point of the body about which the net moment of force of the weights of all the
particles constituting the body is zero.

Factors on which centre of gravity depends:

➢ Mass
➢ Distribution of mass
➢ Shape, size, structure, geometry, etc.

Uniform circular motion: Motion of a particle with a constant speed in a circular path.
A
In a uniform circular motion
a ❖ Speed is uniform
a a ❖ Velocity is variable (since, the direction is changing)
D B
❖ Acceleration is variable (since, the velocity is variable)
❖ Body will have accelerated motion
a
❖ Direction of acceleration is towards the centre

Centripetal force: When the body is moving in a circular path and the force is acted towards its centre,
such force is called centripetal force. It is a real force.

Centrifugal force: When the body is moving in a circular path and the force is acted away from its centre,
such force is called centrifugal force. It is not a real force. It is an imaginary force.

Some important questions

What do you understand by the term momentum? (Or Define the term momentum.)
The force possessed by a body, due to the combined effect of mass and velocity of a body is called
momentum.

State two factors which determine momentum of a body.

(i) Momentum is directly proportional to the mass of body.
(ii) Momentum is directly proportional to the velocity of body.

Is momentum a scalar or a vector quantity?

Momentum is a vector quantity.
State unit of momentum in the SI system.
Unit of momentum in the SI system is newton-second (Ns).
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What are absolute units of force? Do they vary from place to place?
Absolute units of force are Newton and dyne. They do not vary from place to place.

Give two examples showing that a force can change the

a) state of rest or of motion.
b) Shape and size of a body.
State of rest: A ball lying on the ground moves when it is kicked.
State of motion: A fielder on the ground stops a moving ball by applying a force with his hands.
Shape of the body: By hammering a small piece of silver, a thin foil is made, showing the increase in area.
Size of the body: On passing a spring, its shape and size change.

State one way to reduce the moment of a given force about a given axis of rotation.
The moment of force depends on the perpendicular distance of the line of action of force from the axis of
rotation. The moment of a given force reduces by decreasing the perpendicular distance from the axis.

State one way to obtain a greater moment of a force about a given axis of rotation.
Moment of force is equal to the product of force and the perpendicular distance of force from the axis of
rotation. By increasing the distance from the axis of rotation where the force would act is one of the ways
to increase the moment of a force about a given axis of rotation.

Why is it easier to open a door by applying the force at the free end of it?
Larger the perpendicular distance, less force is needed to turn the body. Hence it is easier to open a door
by applying the force at the free end of it.

The stone of hand flour grinder is provided with a handle near its rim. Give a reason.
The stone of hand flour grinder is provided with a handle near its rim because by applying small force at
the handle it can be rotated easily about the iron pivot at its centre.

It is easier to turn the steering wheel of a large diameter than that of a small diameter. Give reason.
To turn the steering wheel of a large diameter needs less force which is at a large distance from the centre
of the rim. So, it is easier to turn the steering wheel of a large diameter than that of a small diameter.

A spanner (or wrench) has a long handle. Why?

The long handle of spanner produces a larger turning moment by which nut can easily be turned with a less
force. So the spanner has a long handle.

A jackscrew is provided with a long arm. Explain why?

Larger the perpendicular distance, less is the force required to turn the body. Therefore, if the length of the
jack screw is more, we need to apply less force to rotate the jack to lift the heavy load.

What do you understand by the term ‘moment of couple’? Give its SI unit.
The turning effect of couple around a fixed point is called the moment of couple. Its SI unit is Newton
meter (Nm).

Give any four examples of couple in everyday life.

i) Opening or closing of a water tap. iii) Tightening the cap of a bottle.
ii) Turning of the key in a lock. Iv) Steering wheel of a motor car.

Is it possible to have a body whose centre of gravity is outside the body? If so, give an example.
Yes, it is possible. The centre of gravity of L-shaped bodies like boomerang can be outside the body.
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Is it necessary that the centre of gravity always be within the material of the body? Justify your answer
giving example.
No, it is not necessary that the centre of gravity always be within the material of the body. The centre of
gravity of a ring lies at its centre where there is no material.

State two conditions for a body, acted upon by several forces to be in equilibrium.
(i) The resultant of all the forces acting on a body must be zero.
(ii) The algebraic sum of moments about the point of rotation of all the forces acting on the body should be
zero.

Is it possible to have an accelerated motion with a constant speed? Name such type of motion.
Yes, it’s possible to have an accelerated motion with a constant speed. Such type of motion is uniform
circular motion.

Give one example of motion in which speed remains uniform, but the velocity changes.
A cyclist’s motion on a circular track is an example of motion in which speed remains uniform, but the
velocity changes.
Name the force required for circular motion. State its direction.
The force required for circular motion is centripetal force. The direction of centripetal force is always
directed towards the centre of the circle.

How does a centripetal force differ from a centrifugal force with reference to the direction in which they
act?
Both forces act in the opposite direction with reference to the direction in which they act.

Is centrifugal force the force of reaction of the centripetal force?

No, centrifugal force is not the force of reaction of the centripetal force.

Compare the magnitudes of centripetal and centrifugal force.

The magnitudes of centripetal and centrifugal force is 1: 1

With reference to their direction of action, how does a centripetal force differ from a centrifugal force?
Centripetal force is always directed towards the centre of circle whereas centrifugal force acts on a body
away from the centre.

How does uniform circular motion differ from uniform linear motion?
In uniform circular motion, velocity is not constant, whereas in uniform linear motion velocity is constant.

Solved Previous Year Questions

Specimen Paper 2024

Question 1(i)
A moment of couple has a tendency to rotate the body in an anticlockwise direction then that moment of
couple is taken as:
1. positive
2. negative
3. maximum
4. zero
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Question 2 (ii)
A metre rod made of copper and steel as shown in the diagram. Weights of copper and steel are 10 N
and 8 N respectively.
(a) On which part does the centre of gravity lie (0 to 50 or 50 to 100).
(b) Justify your answer.

(a) Centre of gravity of the given rod lie between 0 to 50.

(b) Copper produces clockwise moment of force while steel produces anti-clockwise.
In equilibrium, net CW mof is always equal to net ACW mof. Since, the force on copper is greater
than the force on steel, the perpendicular distance of copper will be less than that of steel to
balance it.
Therefore, centre of gravity lies between 0 to 50.

ICSE 2023
Question 1(i)
Clockwise moment produced by a force about a fulcrum is considered to be:
1. Positive
2. Negative
3. Zero
4. None of these

Question 2(ii)
(a) What is the position of centre of gravity of a triangular lamina?
(b) When this triangular lamina is suspended freely from any one vertex, what is the moment of force
produced by its own weight in its rest position?

(a) The centre of gravity for a triangular lamina is at the point of intersection of the medians.

(b) When the triangular lamina is suspended freely from any one vertex, the moment of force
produced by its own weight in its rest position is zero. This is because the center of gravity of the
triangular lamina is at the point where its medians intersect and the triangle is in rotational
equilibrium. Hence, we get zero moment of force.
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Question 2(iii)
The diagram shows wheel O pivoted at point A. Three equal forces F1, F2 and F3 act at point B on the
wheel.

(a) Which force will produce maximum moment about A?

(b) Give a reason for your answer in (a).
(a) Force F1 produces the maximum moment.
(b) Moment of force = force x perpendicular distance from the point of application of the force to the pivot
point.
As the three forces are equal in magnitude, the magnitude of moment of force will depend on the
perpendicular distance from the point of application of the force to the pivot point.
The perpendicular distance from the line of action of F1 to the pivot point A is equal to the diameter of the
wheel, while the perpendicular distance from line of action of F2 and F3 is less than the diameter,
therefore, the moment produced by F1 will be greater than the moments produced by F2 and F3.

Specimen Paper 2023

Question 1(i)
S.I. unit of moment is:
(a) kgf.m
(b) Nm
(c) gf.m
(d) Ncm
Question 2
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(a) The moment of a force will be maximum when the line of action of the force is perpendicular to the
line joining the moment center and point of application of the force.
(b) 𝑀𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑛 𝐴 = 10𝑁 × 4𝑐𝑚 = 10𝑁 × 0.04𝑚 = 0.4 𝑁𝑚
𝑀𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑛 𝐵 = 12𝑁 × 2.5𝑐𝑚 = 12𝑁 × 0.025𝑚 = 0.3 𝑁𝑚
𝑀𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑛 𝐶 = 10𝑁 × 2𝑐𝑚 = 12𝑁 × 0.02𝑚 = 0.24 𝑁𝑚
Thus, 10 N force produces maximum moment.
(iii) State two factors that affects the centre of gravity of the body.
➢ Distribution of mass
➢ Shape, size, structure, etc.

Moment of force about the centre O = 6Nm.

Now, we know that the moment of force about A is twice that of the moment of force about the centre O.
Therefore, moment of force about the A = 6 X 2 = 12 Nm

ICSE 2020
Question 1 (a)
(i) Define moment of force.
It is the product of the magnitude of the force and the perpendicular distance of the point of application of
force from the axis of rotation. It is a vector quantity.

(ii) Write the relationship between the S.I. and C.G.S. unit of moment of force.
1 N m = 105 dyne x 102 cm = 107dyne cm

Question 5(b)
(i) With reference to the direction of action, how does a centripetal force differ from a centrifugal force
during uniform circular motion? [3]
Centripetal force always acts towards the centre whereas centrifugal force appears to act away
from the centre. Thus, the two forces act in opposite directions.

(ii) Is centrifugal force the force of reaction of centripetal force?

No, the centrifugal force is not the force of reaction of centripetal force.

(iii) Compare the magnitudes of centripetal and centrifugal force.

Centripetal force and centrifugal force have equal magnitudes.
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ICSE 2019
Question 1(d)
(i) Define couple.
Two equal and opposite parallel forces, not acting along the same line, form a couple.
(ii) State the S.I. unit of moment of couple.
The S.I. unit of moment of couple is Newton x meter or Nm.

Question 5(b)
A uniform metre scale is in equilibrium as shown in the diagram : [3]

(i) Calculate the weight of the metre scale.

(ii) Which of the following options is correct to keep the ruler in equilibrium when 40 gf wt is shifted to 0
cm mark?
F is shifted towards 0 cm or F is shifted towards 100 cm.

50 cm

ACW W CW

(i) Let the weight of meter rule be W gf.

By the principle of equilibrium,
𝐴𝐶𝑊 𝑚𝑜𝑓 = 𝐶𝑊 𝑚𝑜𝑓
⇒ 40 𝑔𝑓 × (30 − 5) 𝑐𝑚 = 𝑊 × (50 − 30) 𝑐𝑚
⇒ 40 𝑔𝑓 × 25 𝑐𝑚 = 𝑊 × 20 𝑐𝑚
40 × 25
∴ 𝑊= 𝑔𝑓 𝑐𝑚 = 50 𝑔𝑓 𝑐𝑚
20
∴ Weight of the metre scale = 50 gf
(ii) In order to keep the ruler in equilibrium, F is shifted towards 0 cm mark.

ICSE 2018
Question 1(e)
(i) Why is the motion of a body moving with a constant speed around a circular path said to be
accelerated? [2]
𝟐𝑲
(ii) Name the unit of physical quantity obtained by the formula 𝑽𝟐 .
Where K: kinetic energy, V: Linear Velocity.

(i) The motion of a body moving with a constant speed around a circular path is said to be accelerated
because as the direction keeps changing the velocity changes and therefore it's an accelerated motion.
1
2𝐾 2×( ×𝑚𝑉 2 )
2
(ii) 𝑉 2 = =𝑚
𝑉2
2𝐾
Therefore, the quantity, 𝑉 2 will have the unit of mass m which is kilogram (kg).
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Question 5(b)
A half metre rod is pivoted at the centre with two weights of 20 gf and 12 gf suspended at a
perpendicular distance of 6 cm and 10 cm from the pivot respectively as shown below. [3]

(i) Which of the two forces acting on the rigid rod causes clockwise moment?
(ii) Is the rod in equilibrium?
(iii) The direction of 20 gf force is reversed. What is the magnitude of the resultant moment of the forces
on the rod?
(i) The force 12 gf rotates the rod clockwise.
(ii) Since, the clockwise moment (= 20 gf x 6 cm = 120 gf cm) is equal to the anticlockwise moment (= 12 gf
x 10 cm = 120 gf cm), hence the rod is in equilibrium.
(iii) On reversing the direction of force, 20 gf will also produce clockwise moment, total clockwise moment
will then be (20 gf x 6 cm + 12 gf x 10 cm) = 240 gf cm

ICSE 2017
Question 1(c)
Why is a jack screw provided with a long arm?
Larger the perpendicular distance, less is the force required to turn the body. Therefore, if the
length of the jack screw is more, we need to apply less force to rotate the jack to lift the heavy load.

Question 5(a)
A uniform half metre rule balances horizontally on a knife edge at 29 cm mark when a weight of 20 gf is
suspended from one end.
(i) Draw a diagram of the arrangement.
(ii) What is the weight of the half metre rule?
(i) 0 25 29 50

ACW W 20 gf CW

Let the weight of half meter rule be W, by the principle of moments,

ACW mof = CW mof
⇒ 𝑊 × (29 − 25) = 20 × (50 − 29)
⇒ 𝑊 × 4 = 20 × 21
⇒ 𝑊 = 420 × 21
⇒ 𝑊 = 105 𝑔𝑓

Question 5 (b) (ii)

How does uniform circular motion differs from uniform linear motion?
Uniform circular motion Uniform linear motion
In a uniform circular motion the velocity is In uniform linear motion the speed and velocity are
variable (although the speed is uniform), so it constant and acceleration is zero i.e., the uniform linear
is an accelerated motion. motion is an unaccelerated motion.
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ICSE 2016
Question 1(a)
(i) Give an example of a non-contact force which is always of attractive nature.
(ii) How does the magnitude of this non-contact force on the two bodies depend on the distance of
separation between them?
(i) A non-contact force which is always of attractive nature is gravitational force.
(ii) Magnitude of non-contact forces on the two bodies is inversely proportional to the square of the
distance of separation between them.

Question 5(a)
A stone of mass 'm' is rotated in a circular path with a uniform speed by tying a strong string with the
help of your hand. Answer the following questions:

(i) Is the stone moving with a uniform or variable speed?

The stone is moving with uniform speed.

(ii) Is the stone moving with a uniform acceleration? In which direction does the acceleration act?
Yes, the stone is moving with a uniform acceleration. The acceleration acts towards the centre.

(iii) What kind of force acts on the hand and state it's direction?
Centrifugal force (or Tensional force) acts on the hand. It is directed radially outwards away from
the centre.

ICSE 2015
Question 1
(a) When a body is placed on a table top, it exerts a force equal to its weight downwards on the table top
but does not move or fall.

(i) Name the force exerted by the table top.

Normal reaction force.
(ii) What is the direction of the force?
It acts normal to the Surface of table top i.e., opposite to the direction of the force due to the
weight of the body.

(c) (i) On what factor does the position of the centre of gravity of a body depend?
The position of centre of gravity of a body of given mass depends on its shape i.e., on the
distribution of mass in it.

(ii) What is the S.I. unit of the moment of force?

S.I. unit of the moment of force is Newton × meter.
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(d) Name the factors affecting the turning effect of a body.

➢ the magnitude of the force, and
➢ the perpendicular distance of the point of application of force from the axis of rotation.

(e) (i) Define equilibrium.

When a number of forces acting on a body produce no change in its state of rest or of the motion,
the body is said to be in equilibrium.
(ii) In a beam balance when the beam is balanced in a horizontal position, it is in ……….. equilibrium.
Static equilibrium.

ICSE 2014
Question 1:
(a) A force is applied on (i) a non-rigid body and (ii) a rigid body. How does the effect of the force differ in
the above two cases?
(i) a non-rigid body: It changes its shape, size, structure, etc.
(ii) If the body is rigid and free to move, it will move in a straight line in the direction of force.
If the body is rigid and pivoted at a point, it will make the body to rotate about a fixed point.

(b) A metallic ball is hanging by a string from a fixed support. Draw a neat labelled diagram showing the forces
acting on the bail and the string.

(c) (i) What is the weight of a body placed at the centre of the earth?
The weight of a body placed at the centre of the earth is zero.

(d) Is it possible to have an accelerated motion with a constant speed? Explain.

Yes. The velocity of particle in circular motion is variable or the circular motion is accelerated even though
the speed of particle is uniform.

Question 5(a) (ii)

Two forces each of 5N act vertically upwards and downwards respectively on the two ends of a uniform
metre rule which is placed at its mid-point as shown in the diagram. Determine the magnitude of the
resultant moment of these forces about the midpoint.

✓ 5 Nm (Anti clockwise direction)