05/19/2016

Type of force

Symbol

Discription
Force exerted/
applied upon an
object.

Applied Force

F app

Gravity Force

F grav

Attracts
other objects
towards itself.
The force of
gravity on earth
is always equal to
the weight of the
object as found
by the equation:
Fgrav = m *
g where g = 9.8
N/kg (on Earth)
and m = mass (in
kg)

Normal force

F norm

support force
exerted upon an
object that is in
contact with
another stable
object.

Friction Force

F frict

Force exerted by
a surface as an
object moves
across it or
makes an effort
to move across it.
Opposes the
motion of an
object.

Air Resistance
Force

F air

Special type of
friction force that
acts upon an

Tension Force

T tens

Spring Force

F Spring

object as they
travel through
air. Opposes the
motion of an
object.
Force transmitted
through a string,
rope, cable, or
wire when pulled
tight by forces
acting upon
opposite ends.
The tension
forcQe is directed
along the length
of the wire and
pulls equally on
the objects on
the opposite ends
of the wire.
Force exerted by
a compressed or
stretched spring
upon any object
that is attached
to it.