In mechanics, we can group forces into different types. Each type has its own unique qualities. Here are the main types:

1. Contact Forces:

   • Frictional Force: This force works against motion between two surfaces. Think of how hard it is to slide something across a table. The amount of friction can range from none (0) to pretty strong (about 1.3 for metals).
   • Tension Force: This is the pulling force that goes through a string or rope. If the rope doesn’t have any weight, the tension is the same all along the rope.
   • Normal Force: This force pushes straight out from surfaces that are touching each other. It changes depending on how heavy an object is and the angle it’s on.

2. Non-Contact Forces:

   • Gravitational Force: This is the force that pulls two masses toward each other, like how Earth pulls you down. There’s a formula for it, but don’t worry about that now.
   • Electromagnetic Force: This force happens between charged particles. It helps explain how electricity and magnets interact. You can find its strength using another formula, but you don’t need to memorize that.
   • Nuclear Force: This force is very short-ranged and keeps protons and neutrons stuck together in an atom’s nucleus. It works on really tiny distances.

Each of these forces is important in figuring out how objects move and act in mechanics.