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What Are the Different Types of Forces That Affect Motion?

In Year 7 Physics, it's important to learn about the different forces that affect how things move. Let’s simplify this and break them down, one by one:

1. Gravity

Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward each other. The most famous example is how it pulls us toward the Earth.

Gravity is what makes things heavy.

For instance, when you throw a ball in the air, gravity pulls it back down.

The basic idea behind weight is:

  • Weight (W) = Mass (m) × Gravity (g)

On Earth, gravity is about 9.8 meters per second squared.

2. Friction

Friction is the force that stops or slows down an object when it moves.

It happens when two surfaces rub against each other.

For example, when you slide a book on a table, friction makes it slow down.

There are two main types of friction:

  • Static Friction: This keeps something still until a strong enough force moves it.

  • Kinetic Friction: This happens when something is already moving.

3. Tension

Tension is the force that happens when you pull on something like a string or rope.

Think about stretching a rubber band; the force you feel is tension.

Tension is very important in building things, like bridges, where cables hold heavy weights.

4. Normal Force

Normal force is the force that pushes up against an object resting on a surface.

For example, if you put a book on a table, the table pushes back on the book with a force that matches its weight.

This "normal" pushes up against the weight of the book.

5. Applied Force

Applied force is simply the force you use to push or pull something.

For instance, when you push a toy car, your push is the applied force that makes it move.


Understanding these forces can help us see how things move around us. From gravity pulling us down to friction slowing us down, these forces are at work in our daily lives!

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What Are the Different Types of Forces That Affect Motion?

In Year 7 Physics, it's important to learn about the different forces that affect how things move. Let’s simplify this and break them down, one by one:

1. Gravity

Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward each other. The most famous example is how it pulls us toward the Earth.

Gravity is what makes things heavy.

For instance, when you throw a ball in the air, gravity pulls it back down.

The basic idea behind weight is:

  • Weight (W) = Mass (m) × Gravity (g)

On Earth, gravity is about 9.8 meters per second squared.

2. Friction

Friction is the force that stops or slows down an object when it moves.

It happens when two surfaces rub against each other.

For example, when you slide a book on a table, friction makes it slow down.

There are two main types of friction:

  • Static Friction: This keeps something still until a strong enough force moves it.

  • Kinetic Friction: This happens when something is already moving.

3. Tension

Tension is the force that happens when you pull on something like a string or rope.

Think about stretching a rubber band; the force you feel is tension.

Tension is very important in building things, like bridges, where cables hold heavy weights.

4. Normal Force

Normal force is the force that pushes up against an object resting on a surface.

For example, if you put a book on a table, the table pushes back on the book with a force that matches its weight.

This "normal" pushes up against the weight of the book.

5. Applied Force

Applied force is simply the force you use to push or pull something.

For instance, when you push a toy car, your push is the applied force that makes it move.


Understanding these forces can help us see how things move around us. From gravity pulling us down to friction slowing us down, these forces are at work in our daily lives!

Related articles