A push or pull on one object by another that is touching it.

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $25.99Unlock all

Study for the High School Physics Test. Study with quizzes, flashcards, and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

A push or pull on one object by another that is touching it.

Explanation:
The main idea is that forces come in two broad kinds: those that require touching the objects (contact forces) and those that can act across space without touching (field forces). A push or pull on one object by another that is touching it is a contact force. This covers interactions like a person pushing a box, a table pushing up on a book with a normal force, or friction between surfaces that resist sliding. Gravity and other field forces act without contact; gravity pulls objects toward the Earth even if there’s no touch between them, and electric or magnetic forces can act across space without physical contact. Free fall describes a motion state where gravity is causing acceleration; it’s not a type of force, but the result of gravity acting on an object. So the best description for a push or pull between two objects that are touching is a contact force.

The main idea is that forces come in two broad kinds: those that require touching the objects (contact forces) and those that can act across space without touching (field forces). A push or pull on one object by another that is touching it is a contact force. This covers interactions like a person pushing a box, a table pushing up on a book with a normal force, or friction between surfaces that resist sliding.

Gravity and other field forces act without contact; gravity pulls objects toward the Earth even if there’s no touch between them, and electric or magnetic forces can act across space without physical contact. Free fall describes a motion state where gravity is causing acceleration; it’s not a type of force, but the result of gravity acting on an object.

So the best description for a push or pull between two objects that are touching is a contact force.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy