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What are Forces?

Author: Nathan Lampson

 

Forces are interactions that cause an object to move.
 
 
There are several types of forces; these are examples of only a few:
 
 
Gravitational Force
When a person parachutes out of a plane, gravitational force causes them to move towards the mass of the earth. Gravity is a constant force acting on objects on the earth's surface.
 
 
Applied Force
Forces that are produced by other objects are called applied force.  If I push my books across the table, I am creating an applied force that is acting on my books.
 
 
Friction force
Friction is forced that is caused when a moving object runs against another object. When I slide my books across the table, a friction force exists between the table and my books.