Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Force F represents the external force applied to an object. It is a push or pull that can change the motion or shape of an object. Forces have both magnitude (strength) and direction.
In physics, net force refers to the vector sum of all individual forces acting on an object. It determines the overall effect of these forces on the object's motion.
Frictional Force: Frictional force opposes the motion between two surfaces in contact. If there was friction between the shopping cart and one of its wheels, it would affect how easily it moves when pushed.
An applied force is any external force exerted on an object by another object or person. In this case, "Force F" represents an applied force on the shopping cart's handle.