Introduction

A force is a push or a pull.

Relevant dot points from the Study Design

• model forces as vectors acting at the point of application (with magnitude and direction), labelling these forces using the convention ‘force on A by B’ or ${\displaystyle F_{\text{on A by B}}=-F_{\text{on B by A}}}$
• apply the vector model of forces, including vector addition and components of forces, to readily observable forces including the force due to gravity, friction and reaction forces
• apply Newton’s three laws of motion to a body on which forces act: netFam=, Fon A by B = –Fon B by A
• calculate torque: ${\displaystyle \tau =r_{\perp }F}$
• investigate and analyse theoretically and practically translational forces and torques in simple structures that are in rotational equilibrium.