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Interactions Over Small and Large Distances

Some forces need objects to touch, and some reach across empty space. Learn the difference between contact and non-contact forces, the three forces that act at a distance, and the idea of a field.

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What you'll cover

Forces near and far ⚡

A force is a push or a pull on an object. Some forces only work when two objects are touching, but others can reach across empty space. This module looks at that difference, at the three forces that act at a distance, and at how they reach from the tiniest scales up to the whole Solar System.

Words to know 🔑

Four terms run through this topic. Learn them first.

Touching or not? ⚖️

Every force is either a contact force or a non-contact force.

Match the term 🔗

  • Force
  • Contact force
  • Non-contact force
  • Field
  • A push or a pull on an object
  • Acts only when objects are touching
  • Acts at a distance, without touching
  • A region where a non-contact force acts

Contact or non-contact? 🎯

A magnet attracts a paperclip across a small gap, without touching it. Which kind of force is this?

  • A non-contact force
  • A contact force
  • Friction
  • Air resistance

The three forces that reach across space 🧲

There are three non-contact forces. The gravitational force acts between any two masses and always pulls them together. The magnetic force acts between magnets and magnetic materials. The electrostatic force acts between electric charges. For magnets and charges, like repels like and opposite attracts.

Match the force to the example 🔀

  • Gravitational force
  • Magnetic force
  • Electrostatic force
  • Contact force
  • Keeps the planets orbiting the Sun
  • Makes a compass needle point north
  • Makes a rubbed balloon stick to a wall
  • Acts when a book rests on a table it touches

Non-contact forces ✅

Which TWO of these are non-contact forces? Choose all that apply.

  • The gravitational force
  • The magnetic force
  • Friction
  • Tension in a rope

From small to large 🪜

An interactive activity.

Complete the sentences 🧩

A push or a pull on an object is a _____. Friction acts only when objects touch, so it is a _____ force. Gravity acts without touching, so it is a _____ force. The three non-contact forces are gravitational, magnetic and _____. A region where a non-contact force acts is called a _____.

force contact non-contact electrostatic field gravitational magnetic friction tension charge

Spot the non-contact forces 🖍️

An interactive activity.

Which force? 🔍

Which non-contact force acts between two electric charges?

  • The electrostatic force
  • The gravitational force
  • The magnetic force
  • Friction

Contact or non-contact? 🧭

An interactive activity.

Explain the forces ✍️

An interactive activity.