You know that Force is a push or pull on an object.
And how a Contact force is produced, when two objects physically come in contact with each other.
Now, what if the objects are not in contact with each other?
Do objects exert force on each other? (Even if they are not in contact with each other)
The answer is YES.
This type of force is known as a Non contact force.
So, what is a non contact force?
Here, I’ll explain the exact meaning of non contact force with Real Life examples.
Let’s first understand the definition.
Non contact Force Definition
From the name itself, you can guess the meaning of this force.
A non contact force is a force which does not require any contact to occur.
That’s it.
In physics, the definition of non contact force can be stated as:
“A force that acts when two objects are not physically in contact with each other is known as a Non contact Force“
Don’t worry, if you have not understood properly.
Let’s consider one example to understand the above statement. (So you’ll get a clear idea)
Example of Non contact Force
Here, raindrops are falling on earth.
When raindrops fall on earth, is there any contact between raindrops and earth?
Obviously, NO.
Raindrops fall on earth automatically (Of course, due to Gravity) but, without any physical contact.
In short, two objects raindrops and earth are not physically in contact with each other.
This type of force acting on an object is known as a Non contact Force.
Now, let’s discuss the different types of non contact forces.
Non contact Force Types
Here’s a list of different types of non contact forces:
- Magnetic force
- Gravitational force
- Electrostatic force
These forces do not require any contact to occur.
For better understanding, let’s consider some Real Life examples.
Magnetic force
When some iron nails are kept near the magnet, they attract towards the magnet.
The reason is simple.
When iron nails are kept near the magnet, iron nails experience an attractive force towards the magnet.
Due to this force, the iron nails are attracted towards the magnet.
This attractive force is known as a Magnetic Force.
To learn more about magnetic force,
Check: Magnetic Force
Gravitational force
Here, a mango is falling from a tree.
When mango falls from a tree, gravity attracts a mango in the downward direction.
This type of force acting on an object that does not require any physical contact to occur is known as a Gravitational Force.
(Gravitational force always acts in the downward direction)
To learn more about gravitational force,
Check: Gravitational Force
Electrostatic force
What happens when a plastic ruler (rubbed in a hair) is kept near the small pieces of paper?
Plastic ruler attracts the small pieces of paper towards it.
This type of force that is generated without any physical contact is known as an Electrostatic Force.
Summary
From the above examples, one thing is understood.
There must be no physical contact between the objects, for a non contact force to occur.
That’s how you can easily remember the definition of non contact force:
“A force that acts when two objects are not physically in contact with each other is known as a Non contact Force“
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What do you think, is it easy for you to understand this concept of non contact force?
(Let me know in the comments below)
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