In physics, we use the phrase non-contact force to describe the force that any object can apply without making actual physical contact with it. A few distort different types of non-contact force.
Let’s explore common examples of Non-Contact Forces of all types one by one.
Non-contact force definition
A non-contact force can be described as a force applied to any object without physically contacting the object. In simple words, it is an action-at-a-distance force. The main principle is that the distance is always maintained between the two interacting bodies.
There’s a thumb rule law on Earth; anything that goes up always comes down. Why is it? Is there something pulling the things down? No, it’s the Earth’s gravitational force that pulls the object down. The gravitational force needs no contact with the object, and that’s a cool example of a non-contact force.
Examples of non-contact force:
- Magnet attracts iron nails towards it.
- The Earth pulling a fruit hanging on a tree – there’s actual contact between the fruit and the ground, but still, it pulls the fruit down towards it.
- Charged balloons repel each other while maintaining a distance.
- Static charge on the CRT television screen pulling your hair.
Types of non-contact forces
- Gravitational
- Magnetic
- Electrostatic
- Nuclear.
Now, let’s discuss all of these forces in deep detail with a few examples.
Gravitational force
The force using which objects pull each other is known as gravitational force. This force is pretty small and can be felt only if an object is huge, like the Earth. It’s the Earth’s gravitational force that keeps us bound to our planet. Gravitational force makes our planet move around the sun, and it also makes the moon revolve around the Earth.
By the way, our weight is nothing but the Earth’s gravitational force acting on us. Different objects exert different magnitudes of gravity. For instance, the moon’s gravitational force is around one-sixth in contrast to Earth. This means that any object’s weight on the moon will be just one-sixth of what it is on Earth.
Some examples of gravity forces
- We can land in the same spot when we land on the ground. This is the simplest illustration of gravitational force.
- The movement of the planets within our solar system in relation to the sun. The gravitational force 3.54×1022 N is acting between them.
- The moon’s orbit revolves around the Earth due to gravitational force.
Magnetic force
While there may exist nothing between two magnets, scientists define space as an electric field. A magnet’s magnetic field marks the space where it can exert an impact on the other magnet or part of the iron.
If a piece of iron (or part of it) is put in the magnetic field of another magnet, it will be subject to the force of magnets; however, if it is not in the magnetic field of the magnet, there will be no force. This is another instance where scientists developed a theoretical model that accounts for a phenomenon that cannot be observed directly.
The paper clip appears moving (which may appear magical), but you can’t visualise the operating magnetic force. Sprinkles of iron particles near magnets allow the structure of this magnetic field to be seen more concretely. The iron particles, influenced by magnetic force, are aligned to display the direction in which magnetic forces exert their influence. The result is a magnetic pattern.
The different types of attraction in magnetism are as follows:
- Ferromagnetism
- Paramagnetism
- Antiferromagnetism
- Diamagnetism
- Electromagnetism
Examples of magnetic forces
- The attraction between a magnet, unlike poles.
- Iron nails getting attracted to a magnet.
- The working of a compass – It has a tiny magnet; the magnet gets attracted/repelled by Earth’s magnetic poles, showing the direction.
- Repulsion between two magnets’ like poles.
Electrostatic forces
The force that electric charges exert is known as electrostatic force. If we rub a metal object such as a pen, CD, or comb with hair and then bring it closer to small pieces of paper, the details of the paper will be drawn to the object. This is because of electrostatic force. Dust minute particles and smoke may also get drawn by the force of electrostatics.
This technique is employed in air purifiers with electric motors and factories to cleanse the air in chimneys before permitting it to go out into the air.
Examples of electrostatic forces
- A lightning strike.
- The static change in front of TV sets pulling your hair.
- Balloons attract each other after you rub them.
Nuclear forces
Everything in the universe is composed of atoms. Every atom is composed of electrons as well as the nucleus. Electrons are charged negatively and can revolve around the nucleus in orbits. The energy in the nuclear system is composed of neutral particles known as neutrons and positively charged particles known as proto.
There exists a force that can bind the neutrons as well as protons. This is known as the nuclear force. It is also the case that there are no contacts between particles. This is a kind of noncontact force.
Nuclear forces are used to apply force
- The Sun is constantly undergoing nuclear fusion and reactions. Therefore, nuclear energy is the source of energy generated by the Sun.
- Wide-spread destruction is caused by the power of nuclear weapons.
- It is also used for power generation to produce electricity.
Examples of Non-Contact Forces
Below are the Non-Contact Force examples we see in our daily life:
- The fall of leaves off the tree is an example of a force that is not in contact.
- Iron pins attract the magnet bar, without physical contact, because of the force of magnets.
- A falling apple off an oak tree is one of the finest examples of gravitational force discovered by Newton.
- The raindrops that fall on Earth also illustrate the non-contact force that occurs due to gravitational force.
- When two magnets are positioned close to one another, it is an example of a force not in contact.
- The charging of hair and the attraction of paper pieces toward it that you have observed is the result of electrostatics.
- When an electric charge flows through the iron, transforming to an electromagnet, it draws particles and iron towards it producing non-contact force characteristics.
- The force of gravity causes the freely falling ball due to the gravity force toward the Earth.
- Electromagnetism is a different example of a force that is purely non-contact.
- There are many instances of electrostatics, which demonstrate the attraction of tiny materials toward an object.
Conclusion
So, that was all about non-contact force, and as it’s not a thing that can be understood and remembered by reading it once. We recommend you spend time studying it until you’re confident that you can score good marks if non-contact forces related questions are asked in the exams.