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Learning Introductory Physics with Activities

Paul J. Emigh, Rebecka Tumblin, Kathryn Hadley, Danielle Skinner

Section 3.1 What are Forces?

Exercises Introductory Activity

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Start by writing a short (2-3 sentence) description of how you use the term force in your everyday life. You might want to include an example.
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Definition 3.1.1. Force.

A force is an interaction between two objects (or systems) that causes those objects to experience a push or pull. Every force is a vector (with magnitude and direction) that has a type and involves two distinct objects acting on each other.
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Exercises Activities: Explore forces

Use the video below to answer the exploration questions.
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Figure 3.1.2. Dr. Paws gets a ball.
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1.

Identify and describe the different types of forces you believe are acting on Dr. Paws in the video above as she chases the ball.
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2.

Write a short (2-3 sentence) description of how we use the term force in physics. Highlight any differences between your physics description and your personal description from the first exercise.
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3.

Brainstorm a list of possible different types of forces you can imagine acting on something.
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4.

The SI unit for a force is the newton (N), while the Imperial unit for force is the pound (lb). Use a search to find the number of newtons in one pound. If an amateur soccer player is able to kick a soccer ball with a force of around 500-700 pounds, how many newtons are they able to exert?
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