Applied Force

An applied force is a force that is applied to an object by a person or another object. When a force is applied to an object, it can cause the object to move, change direction, or change shape.

Types of Applied Force

There are different types of applied forces:

• Push: A force applied to an object in the direction of the force.
• Pull: A force applied to an object in the opposite direction of the force.
• Tension: A force that stretches or pulls an object.
• Compression: A force that squeezes or pushes an object.

Effects of Applied Force

When an applied force is exerted on an object, it can result in the following effects:

• Movement: The object may start moving in the direction of the applied force.
• Change in Direction: The object's path may change due to the applied force.
• Change in Shape: The object may deform or change its shape under the influence of the applied force.
• Acceleration: The object may accelerate or decelerate depending on the direction and magnitude of the applied force.

Units of Force

The SI unit of force is the newton (N). Other common units of force include:

• Kilogram-force (kgf)
• Pound-force (lbf)
• Dyne (dyn)

Study Tips

To better understand applied force, consider the following study tips:

• Practice identifying different types of applied force in everyday situations.
• Experiment with pushing, pulling, and stretching objects to observe the effects of applied force.
• Use diagrams and free-body diagrams to visualize the forces acting on an object.
• Apply the principles of applied force to real-life examples, such as sports, transportation, and construction.