Force is a push or pull which changes or tries to change the state of rest, the state of uniform motion, size or shape of a body.
Its SI unit is newton (N) and its dimensional formula is [MLT-2].
- Forces can be categorized into two types:
- Contact Forces Frictional force, tensional force, spring force, normal force, etc. are the contact forces.
- Action at a Distance Forces Electrostatic force, gravitational force, magnetic force, etc are action at a distance forces.
A force which acts on body for a short interval of time, and produces a large change in momentum is called an impulsive force.
The total amount of motion present in a body is called its momentum. Linear momentum of a
body is equal to the product of its mass and velocity. It is denoted by p.
Linear momentum p = mu.
Its S1 unit is kg-m/s and dimensional formula is [MLT-1].
It is a vector quantity and its direction is in the direction of velocity of the body.
The product of impulsive force and time for which it acts is called impulse.
Impulse = Force * Time = Change in momentum
Its S1 unit is newton-second or kg-m/s and its dimension is [MLT-1].
It is a vector quantity and its direction is in the direction of force.
