Define contact and non-contact forces Provide e... - SS1 Physics Forces Question

Contact forces are forces that require physical contact between objects for them to be exerted. Examples of contact forces include frictional force, tension force in a rope, and normal force between objects. These forces arise from the direct interaction between the surfaces of objects and can vary depending on factors like the nature of the surfaces and the applied force.

Non-contact forces are forces that can act between objects without any physical contact. These forces can act over a distance through fields or interactions between particles. Examples of non-contact forces include gravitational force, electromagnetic force, and magnetic force. These forces do not require direct physical contact between objects for them to be exerted and can act across empty space.

The main difference between contact and non-contact forces lies in the requirement of physical contact. Contact forces involve direct interaction at the point of contact between objects, while non-contact forces act over a distance without physical touch.