Key Idea.
Section 1
Touching and Non-Touching Forces
A force is a push or a pull. Some forces only work when objects are touching each other. These are called contact forces. For example, when a foot kicks a soccer ball, the foot must physically touch the ball to make it move.
However, other forces can work even when objects are not touching. These are called non-contact forces. They can act on an object from a distance.
Section 2
Magnets Push and Pull from a Distance
A magnet is a special object with an invisible force. Unlike a hand that must touch a door to push it, a magnet does not have to touch an object to move it. The force reaches across the empty space.
This magnetic force acts as a non-contact force. It can pull certain metal objects toward it, or it can push another magnet away, all without any physical contact.
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Touching and Non-Touching Forces
A force is a push or a pull. Some forces only work when objects are touching each other. These are called contact forces. For example, when a foot kicks a soccer ball, the foot must physically touch the ball to make it move.
However, other forces can work even when objects are not touching. These are called non-contact forces. They can act on an object from a distance.
Section 2
Magnets Push and Pull from a Distance
A magnet is a special object with an invisible force. Unlike a hand that must touch a door to push it, a magnet does not have to touch an object to move it. The force reaches across the empty space.
This magnetic force acts as a non-contact force. It can pull certain metal objects toward it, or it can push another magnet away, all without any physical contact.