Field forces

Definition

Field forces are forces that act on objects without requiring physical contact. Examples include gravitational, electric, and magnetic forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Field forces can act over a distance, unlike contact forces which require physical interaction.
2. Gravitational force is a field force that acts between masses and is always attractive.
3. Electric field forces act between charged particles and can be either attractive or repulsive depending on the charges involved.
4. Magnetic field forces arise from magnetic fields and affect moving electric charges and magnetic materials.
5. $F=ma$ still applies to field forces, meaning they cause acceleration in accordance with Newton's Second Law.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes field forces from contact forces?
• Give an example of a gravitational field force and describe its characteristics.
• How do electric field forces differ from magnetic field forces?

Related terms

Gravitational Force: A force of attraction between two masses, described by Newton's law of universal gravitation.

Electric Force: A force between charged objects described by Coulomb's law; it can be either attractive or repulsive.

Magnetic Force: A force experienced by moving electric charges in the presence of a magnetic field.