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Non Contact Force - Definition, Examples, Types, FAQs

Non Contact Force - Definition, Examples, Types, FAQs

Team Careers360Updated on 02 Jul 2025, 05:08 PM IST

When you drop an object it falls on the ground or two magnets attract each other when placed close to each other. But have you noticed that this attraction occurs without any physical contact between them? These events occur because of the Non-Contact forces. As we know forces are of two types- Contact and Non-contact force. To understand the concept of Non- contact forces let's explore the below article.

This Story also Contains

  1. What is Non-Contact Force?
  2. Types of Non-Contact Force
  3. Characteristics of Non-Contact Forces
  4. Examples of Non-Contact Forces
Non Contact Force - Definition, Examples, Types, FAQs
Non Contact Force

What is Non-Contact Force?

Non-contact force is applied to an object by another body that is not directly connected to it. These forces act over a distance and are governed by phenomena such as gravitational, magnetic, or electric fields.

Also read -

Types of Non-Contact Force

Non-Contact forces are divided into three major categories as discussed below:

  1. Gravitational Force
  2. Electrostatic force
  3. Nuclear Force

Gravitational Force

The force of attraction between any two objects with respect to their mass, is called gravitational force.

Mathematically it is represented as,

$$
F=G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}
$$
Where,

  • $F$ is the force
  • $G$ is the gravitational constant
  • $m_1$ and $m_2$ are the masses
  • $r$ is the distance between their centers
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Electrostatic force

The electrostatic force is very similar to gravity, the difference here being that the gravitational force acts between the mass, and the electric force acts between the two charged bodies.

Example of Electrostatic Force

If you rub the comb on your clothes and hold it close to the pieces of paper you will see pieces of paper standing at the end of them that attract the camp. It is made of fine, thin, and neutral particles. This is one of the results of electrical energy.

Nuclear Force

Nuclear force is further divided into two categories

  • Strong Nuclear Force: This type is referred to as the strongest force that binds the protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus.
  • Weak Nuclear Force: This type of force is responsible for activities like beta decay, radioactive decay, and nuclear reactions.

Characteristics of Non-Contact Forces

  • Action at a Distance: These forces can take place without the objects touching each other.
  • Directionality: Non-contact forces always pull (Applying force like gravity, opposite charges in electricity) or push (opposite poles, like charged objects).
  • Dependence on Distance: These forces are inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the two objects of interaction.

Examples of Non-Contact Forces

Various examples of non-contact force from our daily lives are provided below.

  • The apple that falls to the tree.
  • The metal anchors are attracted to the magnetic field without physical contact.
  • The downpour of rain on the earth is also an example of non-contact force.
  • Two magnets are placed close to each other.
  • The fall of the ball toward the ground is due to the force of gravity.
  • The leaves that fall from a tree are an example of the non-contact force.
  • Electromagnetism is another example of non-contact force.
  • When electrical energy is transmitted through a metal it converts it into an electromagnet, it attracts the metal and its target particles, thus, showing non-communication properties.
  • Charging hair and attracting pieces of paper towards it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do non-contact forces relate to the concept of action-reaction pairs?
A:
Non-contact forces, like all forces, occur in action-reaction pairs as described by Newton's third law. For example, the Earth pulls on the Moon with the same magnitude of gravitational force that the Moon pulls on the Earth.
Q: Can non-contact forces explain phenomena in particle accelerators?
A:
Yes, particle accelerators rely heavily on non-contact forces, particularly electromagnetic forces. These forces are used to accelerate charged particles to high speeds and control their trajectories without physical contact.
Q: How do non-contact forces affect the motion of planets and moons?
A:
Non-contact gravitational forces govern the motion of planets and moons. These forces cause orbits, affect rotational periods, and can lead to phenomena like tidal locking, where a moon always presents the same face to its planet.
Q: How do non-contact forces relate to the concept of field energy?
A:
Non-contact forces are associated with field energy. The fields that mediate these forces (like electromagnetic or gravitational fields) contain energy. This field energy can be converted to other forms, as seen in electromagnetic radiation or gravitational waves.
Q: Can non-contact forces explain the phenomenon of tides?
A:
Yes, tides are primarily explained by gravitational forces, a type of non-contact force. The gravitational pull of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun causes the regular rising and falling of ocean levels.
Q: How do non-contact forces affect the behavior of subatomic particles?
A:
Non-contact forces govern the behavior of subatomic particles. The strong nuclear force binds quarks into protons and neutrons, the weak force is responsible for certain types of radioactive decay, and the electromagnetic force causes attraction and repulsion between charged particles.
Q: What role do non-contact forces play in the Earth's magnetic field?
A:
The Earth's magnetic field is a manifestation of non-contact forces. It's generated by electric currents in the Earth's liquid outer core, creating a magnetic field that extends into space and interacts with charged particles from the Sun.
Q: Can non-contact forces create equilibrium?
A:
Yes, non-contact forces can create equilibrium. For example, a satellite in orbit around Earth is in equilibrium between the gravitational force pulling it towards Earth and its own inertia trying to move it in a straight line.
Q: How do non-contact forces affect the motion of charged particles?
A:
Non-contact forces, particularly electromagnetic forces, greatly affect the motion of charged particles. They can accelerate, decelerate, or change the direction of these particles without physical contact, as seen in particle accelerators and cathode ray tubes.
Q: How do non-contact forces relate to the concept of force fields?
A:
Non-contact forces are directly related to force fields. Each type of non-contact force (gravitational, electromagnetic, etc.) is associated with a specific force field that permeates space. The strength and direction of the force at any point are determined by the properties of this field.
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