External Forces

Definition

External forces are forces acting on an object that originate from outside the system being analyzed. These forces can cause changes in the motion or shape of the object.

Related terms

Net Force:

The vector sum of all the external forces acting on an object.

Frictional Force: A force that opposes the motion or attempted motion between two surfaces in contact.

Applied Force:

A force that is applied to an object by another object or person.