Secondary III • 2yr.
Hello,
Could you explain to me how forces operate on objects and the consequences they can have on them?
Thank you so much!
Hello,
Could you explain to me how forces operate on objects and the consequences they can have on them?
Thank you so much!
Explanation from Alloprof
This Explanation was submitted by a member of the Alloprof team.
Hi!
Thank you for your question😉
First, we must understand what a force is. A force is an action that can change the shape of a body, modify its movement or change its stationary state.
There are two types of forces that you must know of:
Compression: A force that pushes on an object, which exerts pressure. It can be used to push or crush a body.
Tension (or pull): A force that pulls on a body. It is the opposite of compression, thus allowing to pull or stretch an object.
Although there are two types of forces, they can have five different effects:
Crushing
This effect is represented by two arrows which point towards each other and it corresponds to the compression of an object, thus reducing its dimensions.
Elongation (or extension)
This effect is represented by two arrows that go in opposite directions. It is a tension exerted on an object to increase its length.
Torsion
This effect is represented by two forces which make a rotational movement. A trick to remember this effect is to think of a towel being twisted: there are two rotational forces that are in opposite directions.
Bending
Here, we bend the object using several forces. This effect is represented by three arrows, a central one which points upwards, accompanied by two smaller ones on each side that point downwards.
Shear
This effect occurs when forces are exerted almost in the same place, in parallel and in opposite directions. Just think of scissors that cut paper for this effect.
Under the effect of different forces and effects, objects undergo a deformation. There are three:
Elastic
The deformation is temporary and the object returns to its shape when there are no more constraints. This is a reversible change.
Permanent (or plastic)
The deformation is permanent and the dimensions of the object will not revert to what they were initially. It is an irreversible change.
Rupture
The object is quite simply broken under the effect of the forces exerted. For example, if a sheet is sheared, it “breaks” into at least two pieces.
Do not hesitate to ask your questions on the forum if you have others😊