Contact Force - GCSE Physics Definition

Reviewed by: Philippa Platt

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Contact force is a type of force that occurs when two objects are physically touching each other, resulting in either a push or a pull between them.

It is a fundamental concept in GCSE Physics that includes forces such as friction, tension, normal force, and air resistance. These forces act at the point of contact between surfaces, influencing the motion or shape of an object. For instance, if you push a book across a table, the contact force applied by your hand is what causes the book to move.

Understanding contact forces helps explain how everyday objects interact, making it an essential aspect of mechanics in physics.

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Philippa Platt

Reviewer: Philippa Platt

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener

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