In physics, a force is an action that can cause an object to change its velocity or its shape, or to resist other forces, or to cause changes of pressure in a fluid. In mechanics, force makes ideas like pushing or pulling mathematically precise. In physics and other sciences, a force is a push or pull on a mass that can change the object’s motion.

Understanding the Context

Force is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. The symbol for force is the capitol letter F. A famous example of an equation for force is Newton’s second law: F = m*a. Here F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration.

Key Insights

The meaning of FORCE is strength or energy exerted or brought to bear : cause of motion or change : active power. How to use force in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Force. Ley Organica del Poder Judicial de la Federacion y de la Ley de Amparo - legal reconocido por la Federación Europea de Surf resolución miscelánea de la federación - legal Semanario Judicial de la Federaciòn y su Gaceta. - legal TFF "Tribunal Fiscal de la Federacion" - legal Tribunal Fiscal de la federacion TFF - legal Force, in mechanics, any action that tends to maintain or alter the motion of a body or to distort it.

Final Thoughts

The concept of force is commonly explained in terms of Isaac Newton’s three laws of motion. Because force has both magnitude and direction, it is a vector quantity. A force is a push or pull that acts upon an object as a result of that objects interactions with its surroundings. In this Lesson, The Physics Classroom differentiates between the various types of forces that an object could encounter.