What this topic covers
Topic 9: Forces and their effects has 3 subtopics:
- Contact and non-contact forces
- Moments, levers and gears
- Pressure and unwanted energy transfer
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GCSE Edexcel Foundation Physics · Topic 9 of 15
Topic 9: Forces and their effects – GCSE Edexcel Foundation Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Forces, moments, free-body diagrams and force effects. 6 lessons in 3 subtopics.
Revise Topic 9: Forces and their effects for GCSE Edexcel Foundation Physics, including Contact and non-contact forces and Moments, levers and gears.
6
Lessons
3
Subtopics
Topic 9: Forces and their effects lessons by subtopic
6 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Contact and non-contact forces
Moments, levers and gears
Pressure and unwanted energy transfer
More in this course
Go back to the full GCSE Edexcel Foundation Physics topic list, or practise this topic with past-paper questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Topic 9: Forces and their effects?
Forces, moments, free-body diagrams and force effects. 6 lessons in 3 subtopics.
What is a force?
A force is a push or pull that acts on an object due to the interaction with another object, measured in newtons (N). The Introduction to Contact and Non-Contact Forces notes cover this in full.
What is the principle of moments?
The principle of moments states that for an object in equilibrium, the total clockwise moments equal the total anticlockwise moments about any pivot point. The Moments and Equilibrium notes cover this in full.
What is a moment in physics?
A moment is the turning effect of a force about a pivot point, measured in newton-metres (Nm). The Introduction to Moments notes cover this in full.
What is a lever?
A lever is a rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point, the fulcrum, to transmit forces. The Levers and Gears notes cover this in full.
What are examples of contact forces?
Examples of contact forces are friction, which opposes motion when surfaces slide past each other; air resistance, which opposes motion through air; tension in strings, ropes or cables; and normal contact force, such as a table supporting a book. The Introduction to Contact and Non-Contact Forces notes cover this in full.
What are examples of non-contact forces?
The three non-contact forces are gravitational force between any two objects with mass, electrostatic force between electrically charged objects, and magnetic force between magnets or magnetic materials. The Introduction to Contact and Non-Contact Forces notes cover this in full.
What is the unit of a moment?
The unit of a moment is the newton-metre (Nm), because a moment is a force in newtons × a distance in metres. The Introduction to Moments notes cover this in full.
What is a fulcrum?
A fulcrum is the fixed pivot point around which a lever rotates. The Levers and Gears notes cover this in full.