Basic concepts associated

with force
Ama Hettigama
Force
• A force can be defined as a push or a pull.
• By a push or a pull we can make certain changes on an object.
By applying a force on an object we can,
• Move a resting object.
• Stop a moving object
• Change the speed of a moving object.
• Change the direction of a moving object.
• Change the shape of an object.
Features of a force
Magnitude
• The result caused by a force depends on the magnitude of the force.

• To measure the force we can use a spring balance.

• The standard unit of force is Newton (N)
 Direction
• The result of a force depends on the direction of the force.

Therefore when we express a force ,we have to give the magnitude as

well as the direction.
 A force is a vector quantity
• A force has a magnitude and a direction . Therefore it is a vector
quantity.

• Length has only a magnitude therefore it is scalar quantity.

 Point of application
• The point of an object on which the force is applied is the point of
application.
• The result of a force on an object depends on the point of application.
 Features of a force
• A force has a magnitude.
• A force has a direction.
• A force is a vector quantity.
• The result of a force depends on the point of
application.
Graphical representation of a force
• Lets represent 10 Newton force to the right on an object.

• The length of the arrow gives the magnitude ,

• The arrow head represents the direction of the force.
• The dot represents the point of application .
Methods to apply force in an easy way with
less effort.