| English | Force |
|---|---|
| Bahasa Melayu | Daya |
| 中文 | 力 |
Definition
A push or pull acting on an object that can change its shape, or its state of rest or motion; a vector quantity measured in newtons (N).
In exam terms
A force is a push or a pull that can change the shape of an object or its state of rest or motion. It is a vector, so it has both size and direction, and its SI unit is the newton (N), where 1 N is the force that gives a 1 kg mass an acceleration of 1 m s⁻².
The link between force and motion is Newton's second law, F = ma, where F is the resultant force in newtons (N), m is the mass in kilograms (kg) and a is the acceleration in metres per second squared (m s⁻²). For example, a resultant force on a 3 kg trolley producing 2 m s⁻² is F = ma = 3 kg × 2 m s⁻² = 6 N.
Do not confuse it with…
Do not confuse force with pressure. Force is the total push or pull in newtons, while pressure is that force spread over unit area (pressure = force ÷ area) and is measured in pascals (Pa).
The same force gives a larger pressure when it acts on a smaller area.
Also distinguish a single force from the resultant force, which is the combined effect of several forces. In Paper 2 you may be asked to define force, or to state and use Newton's second law in a calculation; remember it is the resultant force, not one individual force, that determines the acceleration.
Source: DSKP KSSM Physics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English) (Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), KPM)