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IGCSE Physics, Cambridge 0625, Malaysia

Force

Symbol: F · Unit: N

A push or pull that can change the motion, shape or direction of an object, measured in newtons.

Force is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction. Forces can be contact (friction, tension, normal) or non-contact (gravity, electrostatic, magnetic).

The resultant force on an object determines whether it accelerates, decelerates or stays at constant velocity. Newton’s second law links force, mass and acceleration:

F=maF = ma

Forces are measured using a newton meter (spring balance).

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