Force can act on a body from a distance or by being in contact with it. Depending on this, forces can be classified as contact and non-contact forces.
- Contact forces: When a force is applied to an object by direct or indirect physical contact, the applied force is called a contact force.
- Muscular and frictional forces are examples of contact forces.
- Muscular force: The force resulting from the action of muscles is known as the muscular force.
- Frictional force: The force resisting the relative motion of solid surfaces, fluid layers, and material elements sliding against each other.
- Non-contact forces: When a force is applied to an object by another body that is not in direct contact with it is called a non-contact force.
- Gravitational, magnetic, and electrostatic forces are examples of non-contact forces.
- Gravitational force: The attractive force of the Earth, which acts upon all objects, is known as the force of gravity or just gravity.
- Electrostatic force: The force exerted by a charged body on another charged or uncharged 1 body is known as electrostatic force.
- Magnetic force: The force exerted between a magnet and another magnet or magnetic material is known as magnetic force.