There are a variety of contact force examples that can be seen in our surroundings. Whenever two items come into contact with one another, the term force is used to describe the push or pull that happens.
Let us see a list of contact force examples as below:
These are the various and simple contact force examples that we see and experiences in our day-to-day life. A contact force is a force that acts between two bodies that are in contact with one another. Let us take a look at each of them in some detail.
Contact Force Examples
A glass of water:
People usually tend to see this type of contact force examples on an hourly basis around them as they keep on lifting the glass to drink water and then putting back on the table. Here glass is in contact with the flat surface where the contact force is simply acting in the form of the normal force.
The food kept on the shelves of the refrigerator experiences the normal force. This is the force exerted on the body at rest which is nothing but food in this case. As this food is in contact with and hence it experiences the normal force.
When you or any other person around you stands on the ground, they are being in contact with the surface of the ground. Hence our body experiences the normal force which is because of the contact force and is being exerted by the ground.
Table lamp:
We all have the table lamp on our study table or on the office table. The lamp in the resting position kept on the table experiences the normal force. This force is exerted on the table lamp by the table as a result of contact force.
This is one of the most common contact force examples. We all use a mouse attached to the computer or laptop for our work, study, and many other purposes. The mouse is basically used to hover the pointer on the screen to select the menu or other options we want.
In order to hover the screen pointer of the mouse, you have to physically move the mouse by using your hand. This is nothing but you are making contact with the mouse to apply some force on it. This applied force is nothing but one of the types of contact force.
Pressing a key on thekeyboard:
Just like the mouse, the keys from a keyboard of the computer or laptop need to get pressed so that the command will appear on the screen of the respective devices. In this process, we are simply applying force by making contact with fingers on the keyboard. Hence the contact force plays a role in the form of applied force.
Bungee jumping:
Bungee jumping is one of the adventure sports where you can feel the proper tension force and spring force is created within the rope and the human body. In this person, feet are tied to the end of the rope and the other end is tied to the support located at some height. When the person jumps off the edge, he/she goes down and then at some point gets in the upward direction. This happens because of the tension force and spring force created by the contact between the rope and the feet of the person.
Car towing:
You often have observed that when the car is parked at the wrong places, gets towed. For towing purposes, one needs to lift and hang the car on the hook of the tow vehicle. This contact between the tow and car is nothing but the tension force which is being created while lifting them up. Tension is simply a pulling force.
In the case of a suspension bridge, the contact force is simply compression and tension. Compression, also known as compressive force, which operates on something in order to compress or shorten the item on which it acts. Tension, also known as tensile force, is a type of force that operates to expand or lengthen the object on which it acts.
To initiate the fire, we must rub the wooden stick of the matchbox on the material coated on the box. By doing so we are creating friction between stick and coated material. This can only happen because of the contact force.
Furniture shifting:
When we are shifting the furniture, we are simply applying the force to the furniture. The furniture is always in the contact with ground or floor. When the frictional force which is also a contact force in this case is less then by the applied force, we can easily shift the furniture wherever we want.
Slides on the playground:
Children often enjoy the slides in the playground. When one is sliding down the slide, it is because of the friction force which is a contact force. Also, the children get slow down at the end of the slide because of the frictional force changing into gravity.
Kicking football:
While playing football one passes the ball to another person. To pass the ball, it is necessary to kick the ball, and to do so one must apply the force through the leg on the ball. Here contact force that acts between the feet and the ball is simply the applied force.
To open the bottle or the jar, we need to twist the top lid. For twisting, we need to apply the force on the lid which means that, here in the case of twisting the contact force is the applied force.
Chair pull:
In order to sit anywhere near the office table, dining table, or any other place, first, we have to pull a chair. When the chair is at rest, the normal force is being exerted on it by the floor or ground. However, while pulling purpose we need to apply the force on the chair. Therefore, in this situation, there are two types of contact forces acting on the chair which are the normal force and the applied force.
Bicycle ride:
Everyone loves to ride a bicycle for exercise as well as roaming purposes. To ride a bicycle, one needs to apply the force on the pedal which then results in movement of the bicycle. Also, there is always a frictional force constantly acting between the tyre of the bicycle and the road. So, when the person is riding a bicycle, there are two types of contact forces that come into play and that are the applied force and the friction force.
Have you ever traveled by the airplane? If yes then you must have felt the friction that is occurring on the exterior part of the airplane and clouds and air. The force exerted on an item when it comes into contact with air while passing through it is known as the air resistance force. It is the result of friction between the air and another item. Here, in this case, this air resistance force is simply the contact force.
When the person throws an object in the water, it floats. Similarly, when you put a wooden block in the beaker containing water, it floats at the surface of the water. There is a buoyance force or upthrust force acting between the piece of that wooden block and water. This force is the contact force in this case. Depending on the parameter of buoyance force or upthrust force, the object can immerse or float in the liquid.
These all are the list of contact force examples in our surroundings.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ’s):
Q. What do you mean by contact force?
Ans: The force where it needs some physical contact to occur.
For the purposes of this definition, contact forces refer to forces that act between two objects that are physically in contact with one another.
Q. What is the basic difference between contact force and non-contact force?
Ans: The difference is just based on the word contact.
The contact forces can only be produced when there is physical activity on the item or an object. However, the non-contact force is the one where no physical activity needs to be done on the object, they are not visible.
Air resistance force: The force that comes into play on an item when it comes into contact with air while passing through it is known as the air resistance force.
Frictional force: It is often known as friction, which is a force that works against the movement of an object.
Applied force: It is called applied force when someone or something applies force to another item in a direct manner, resulting in the object moving.
Spring force: The force generated when an external force forces a spring to alter its form is known as spring force or spring tension.
Normal force: The force that holds things in place while they’re lying on a stable surface is known as “normal force.”
Tension force: Tension acts as a compulsion. As a result of the tightening of both ends of things such as wires, ropes, cables, and rods.
Water well pulley is the first thing that springs to mind when you hear the word pulley. Because it is the most common and practical example one can think of in everyday life. In villages, people use a pulley to draw water from the well. As a result, a water well pulley is regarded as one of the earliest examples of a fixed pulley in use.
To draw water from the well, we use a bucket. A rope that we used to pull the bucket is wrapped around the fixed pulley. One end of the rope is tied to the bucket’s handle, while the other end is in the hand of the person who will exert force to pull it up.
Throwing a tied bucket into the well will fill it with water, and this water bucket will serve as a load. Because the rope is tied to the fixed pulley, you will get the appropriate direction to apply the force as you pull the other end of the rope. Thus, a fixed pulley makes it easy to draw water from the well by providing proper direction to the force.
What if you don’t use a fixed pulley here and instead draw a bucket of water directly from the well? The answer is a fixed pulley, which allows you to exert force in a downward direction with all of your weight. If you don’t use a fixed pulley here, you’ll have to exert force in an upward direction. Also, you can’t use all of your weight to apply upward force.
Flagpole:
Do you know why flag hoisting is challenging to do manually? The flag should be hoisted at very high; thus, the height of flagpoles is also very tall. A fixed pulley is employed to make this process simple and easy.
A rope goes around the pulley, which is fixed at the top of the flagpole. The flag will act as a load, in this case. Thus it is attached to one end of the rope. When the user pulls the other end of the rope, he ultimately pulls the flag via a pulley. When a rope is pulled down, the force is redirected through a fixed pulley, raising the flag. A fixed pulley makes it easier to unfurl the flag at the top of the flagpole in this way.
Window Blinds:
Window blinds are certainly something you use on a daily basis. The most often used blinds are horizontal. Blind slats are composed of materials such as wood, aluminium, or PVC. The strings it employs are known as lift strings. The length of the blinds will determine the number of lift strings required. The more string used by the blinds, the larger they are.
Strings climb, pass through a fixed pulley, and then return to the bottom through holes in each slat. The slats begin to rise as the lift strings are pulled. It’s important to lift all of the strings at the same time. If you forget to tie the cord, your blinds will be uneven. As a result, a fixed pulley ensures that blinds operate smoothly.
Adjustable Clothesline:
Not every person uses a dryer to dry their clothes or laundry. Many of them choose to hang clothes to dry. A clothesline pulley makes it easy to hang the clothes. One can use a pulley clothesline in their balcony, deck, or porch where the exposure of sun and wind is high so that clothes can dry quickly. The clothesline can be used at any level from ground to high.
A fixed pulley should be mounted at a suitable height to establish the clothesline pulley system. The clothesline thread passes through the pulley and makes a closed loop of shape 8. Thus, with the laundry basket standing in one place by just moving the clothesline string, you can hang your clothes to dry. As a result, you won’t have to walk up and down with your laundry basket to hang your clothing if you use a fixed pulley in your clothesline.
Pulley Lighting:
The purpose of a pulley light is to give your home a lovely vintage appearance. They’re typically utilised for decorative purposes or when the height of a hanging light has to be adjusted. The rope is also employed in the pulley light, with one end tied to the lamp and the other used to alter the height. As the rope goes through a fixed pulley, the free end of the rope should be pulled at an angle determined by the pulley to assist pulling.
A fixed pulley mechanism is also employed in gravity light, which can be used instead of solar powered lighting. A fixed pulley, similar to the pulley light, is used to control the height of the LED lamp used in the gravity light. It works on the idea of potential energy with the pulley mechanism.
Motor Pulley:
A motor pulley is a fixed pulley used to guide the timing belt or serpentine belt in the engine of an automobile or other vehicle. According to the purpose, different types of the motor pulley can be used.
In the car, timing belts are wounded around the fixed pulley. The circumference of the pulley should be grooved so that belt does not slip off from the pulley. So that it accommodates the belt. Here the pulley system provides engine timing.
Idler motor pulley is the type of motor pulley used to guide the path and provide proper tension to the belt. It does not give power to any peripheral devices connected to the motor pulley. The sewing machine also works on this principle. The motor pulley in the sewing machine provides proper direction and tension to the thread we use to stitch the cloth.
Anatomical Pulley:
You might be surprised to learn that some of our body components operate using a fixed pulley mechanism. The pulley is replaced by a bone or ligament in the human body, and a muscle tendon replaces the cord. Synovial fluid lubricates the tendon, allowing it to glide freely over the bone.
The anatomical pulley is formed when a muscle fibre or muscular tendon crosses over a bone and changes the direction of the force. The fixed pulley’s job is to direct the force in the right direction so that the work can be completed quickly. The movement of body segments is the “Task” in the human body.
A fixed pulleylike structures in the human body:
Movement of the knee joint: The fixed pulley principle is used to extend the knee. A bone changes the direction of muscle pull and acts as a fixed pulley. The direction of muscle passing across the knee joint changes due to the larger size of the bone. As a result, the bone acts as a fixed pulley by adjusting the angle of pull of that specific muscle.
The hand movement: The delicate movement of the hand is possible only due to the band at the wrist, which acts as a fixed pulley and controls the movement of muscle. Here the pulley changes the direction of muscle pull by preventing its bowstring. This type of pulley is also present in feet.
Movement of the eyeball: Even when we move our eyes, a little bone acts as a fixed pulley. The muscle originates in one way but functions in the opposite direction due to the pulley. This pulley increases the efficiency of this little ocular muscle.
Movement of the ankle: Same as a knee joint in the ankle, the shape of bone changes the direction of muscle insertion. This changes the direction of muscle pull and acts as a fixed pulley.
In the last post, we have discussed how does a fixed pulley makes work easier. So in this post, we discussed fixed pulley examples. We hope that we have accurately presented fixed pulley examples to you throughout this post.
The pendulum is a weight suspended from the point of axis for its free flow swinging sideways. When this pendulum is supplanted from its equilibrium position, it starts to oscillate sideways back and forth. The oscillation is regular and is in simple harmonic motion.
Any system that acts in simple harmonic motion comes under a harmonic oscillator. A simple harmonic oscillator is a type of harmonic oscillator. A system is said to be under simple harmonic oscillation when the restoring force is proportional to the displacement.
In a pendulum, the restoring force plays a vital role. The pendulum is sometimes called a pendulum bob. Now when the bob is displaced from its equilibrium position, it swings back and forth harmonically.
Restoring force acts on the pendulum so that the pendulum bob’s swing decreases slowly and the amplitude decreases. Another significant point to remember is that Hook’s Law attributes to this oscillation of the pendulum.
The subwoofer is a device that comes under a driven oscillator. The membrane in a subwoofer oscillates with constant amplitude producing a harmonic oscillation in the process. So this is an excellent harmonic oscillator example.
Inside a subwoofer is present a driver’s cone, which vibrates when it amplifies electric current into sound. This sound is nothing but the result of the back and forth harmonic oscillation. And the sound is the low base frequency with a low pitch.
We know the setup of a subwoofer and how it works, but we also need to know the presence of a driver’s cone. The driver’s cone is the mechanical part of any speaker system. This converts electrical energy into sound by creating an air space within. And this gives harmonic oscillations.
In an RLC circuit introduction of a resistor gives the harmonic oscillation as the LC combination does. This resistor reduces the oscillations in the circuit, therefore, producing low base frequency and decreasing the peak resonant frequency.
The resistor added in an RLC circuit reduces the harmonic oscillations. And this is known as damping. Damping is the one that reduces the oscillations, letting it decay. So for an RLC circuit to act appropriately as a harmonic oscillator, the resistor should be added in parallel and series.
So, in parallel resistor should be added in such a way so that the oscillations do not decay. And in series resistor must be added in small so that the resistance in the circuits is made as small as possible, so the damping doesn’t affect the oscillations.
By changing the resistance according to or equivalently by deciding the damping factor by changing the resistance in a circuit, issues such as dielectric loss in coils and capacitors can be brought up and solved.
Basically, in an RLC oscillator, two types of oscillators come into play, the mechanical oscillator, and the electrical oscillator. One of the main features of the RLC circuit is that it decays even during oscillations. The driven oscillator provides a sinusoidal signal through harmonic oscillations resulting in a sine wave instead of a square wave.
Mass-Spring System
A mass-spring is the system where two more masses are suspended from a rigid support. And the oscillations of the mass from its equilibrium position back and forth are evaluated.
For example, let us consider two springs having two masses, each suspended from the rigid support. The spring constant for both springs would be the same, but the mass may differ. When a mass weighing lighter than the other mass weighs more is suspended, the period of oscillations varies.
Smaller mass will oscillate harmonically less than the mass that is larger than the less suspended mass. The configuration of the masses can be explained by the general coordinates of the two systems.
This is done by considering how far the systems oscillate from their equilibrium position back and forth, finally coming to rest due to the restoring force acting upon them naturally.
The mass-spring system is generally used in equipment where the vibrating part is set apart from the supporting element. For example, in a lightweight roof system, this mass-spring concept is put in to separate it from any loud equipment that is under high vibrations.
Bungee jumping is an excellent harmonic oscillation example. Also, this exhibits the simple harmonic oscillations in a better way. The up and down oscillations of the bungee cord from its equilibrium position explains clearly the simple harmonic oscillations present in the system.
The basic concept of harmonic oscillation in bungee jumping is that the oscillation occurs after the free fall of the jumper. The jumper is tied to the bungee cord, which moves up and down from the equilibrium position. The weight to be suspended in the cord is in accordance with the length of the cord. In this way, Hooke’s Law (F=kx) is obeyed.
The jumper experiences a free-fall, after which harmonic oscillation comes to action. The jumper moves up and down, which happens when the bungee cord oscillates to and forth from the equilibrium position.
Cradle exhibits the simple harmonic motion in play. A single push given to the cradle makes it oscillate to and fro from its equilibrium position.
When the cradle is given even a slight push, it oscillates from equilibrium position back and forth. And this comes to rest when the oscillations decrease, making the amplitude smaller. The to and fro motion is period and is said to have simple harmonic oscillations.
Auditory perception is also known as the sense of hearing in human beings. This process is carried out when sound waves enter the eardrum causing the vibrations to and fro, and finally, the sound is heard by our human ear.
The sound waves travel through the membrane of the ear canal, oscillating back and forth in periodic motion. This is called simple harmonic motion (oscillation). Both the eardrums oscillate back and forth for four cycles and are associated with the movement of the eyes.
Cells that have a defined nucleus with the genetic material in them are called eukaryotic cells.
Originating from the Greek words “Eu” meaning “true” and karyon meaning nut or “kernel,” the word Eukaroun means actual kernel or nucleus. So eukaryotic cells refer to those cells with a membrane-bound nuclear material instead of floating around the cell cytoplasm.
Eukaryotes comprise plants, animals, protists, and fungi. Generally, their genetic material or DNA is found assembled in the nucleus, which is again surrounded by a nuclear membrane. They also have several other membrane-bound organelles that have specific functions. This is the main feature that distinguishes eukaryotes from prokaryotes-like bacteria. Bacterial cells do not have any cell organelles as such, and their genetic material, which can be RNA or DNA, just randomly floats about in the cytoplasm.
Eukaryotic organisms that are not plants, fungi, or animals, so they are categorized in a biological kingdom are classified as protists. The organisms are so diverse that they can be more closely related to a fungus, plant, or animal cell rather than another Protista. These mainly include bacteria, amoeba, or algae.
AMOEBA:
Also called amoeboid is a unicellular eukaryotic cell closely related to animal cells. This means they do not have a cell wall and can change their shape, which gives them the ability to move from one place to another. They can extend their cell wall to make leg-like appendages called pseudopodia(“pseudo” meaning false; “podia” representing feet) and use them to move forward. They also contain a membrane-bound nucleus with granular DNA.
They make up a phylum called Dinoflagellata and are considered algae. They are a form of marine eukaryotic unicellular organism. They have a flagellum (a whip-like structure) used for locomotion which gives it its name -Dinos(Greek word whirling) and Latin Flagallae. These organisms often exhibit a phenomenon called Biolumenesence- a natural light produced by living organisms using an internal chemical reaction. These are primarily marine plankton but can also occur in freshwater. These organisms, like plants, can photosynthesize and are responsible for the significant amount of oxygen that is produced by our oceans.
E.g., Noctilucascintillans – A marine species that can occur in red or green forms depending on the nature of the present pigment.
Several species of this protozoa are parasitic and can cause life-threatening diseases. These include P.vivax and P.falciparum, which both cause different types of malaria in humans.
Macrogametocyte and microgametocyte of P.falciparum Image: Wikipedia
FUNGI
Another group of eukaryotic organisms most distinguishable to us from the mushrooms we eat is the yeast that goes into our bread dough or the mold that grows on that very bread spoiling it. Though considered plants, they cannot photosynthesize due to the absence of chlorophyll, hence developing a saprophytic lifestyle.
YEAST
The powder we regularly add to our bread and cake doughs is made of a unicellular eukaryotic fungus. Also, being used in wine and beer making has earned this genus the name of brewer’s and baker’s yeast. These organisms are saprophytic, i.e., they use the sugars in the dough and use it as food and release carbon dioxide as a result which causes the dough to rise. Fungi also have cell walls, but these are composed of chitin instead of the usual cellulose as in plants.
PLANT CELLS
Plant cells are one of the most abundant among eukaryotes. These cells have some specific characters, including the presence of a cell wall and the presence of a pigment-containing organelle. The cell wall is usually composed of cellulose and gives plant cells the ability to retain their shape. The pigment-containing organelle is what allows plants to photosynthesize. This pigment can be of many types.
Two layers cover the basic unit of plants- a cellulose-made cell wall and a phospholipid bilayer cell membrane. The most distinguishing factor is the presence of chloroplast, a type of plastid (a double membrane-bound organelle) that contains pigments that can convert Carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. There are other plastids as well that serve different functions.
Types of plastids in plants:
Chloroplasts: these are found in all the mesophyll cells in the green tissues of plants. They contain the green pigment that gives plants their characteristic green color and allows them to photosynthesize. Non-green plants can synthesize too, but the chemical reaction is different.
Chromoplasts: These contain other pigments, excluding green. Chloroplasts turn to chromo as the plant matures. Found in flowers, fruits, and non-green leaves. These contain orange, red and yellow pigments. These are the pigments that make flowers visually appealing.
Leucoplast: Non-pigmented plastids their primary function is storage instead of synthesis. They are of 3 main types:
Amyloplast: They are the most abundant and are used in starch storage.
Alaioplast: These organelles store oils and fatty acids that are required by the plant cells.
Proteinoplast: As suggested by the name, they are protein storage vessels. These are primarily found in seeds- the very reason legumes and pulses are considered a rich protein source.
Animal cells are the most commonly found cells among the eukaryotes. Unlike plants, they are only covered by a lipid bilayer, making them semipermeable. This means it allows the cells to exchange materials in liquid and gaseous forms. Being devoid of a cell wall also means that animal cells do not have a fixed shape, and they vary in shape even in a single organism.
Neurons: Unlike most normal cells, nerve cells or neurons are distinguishable because of their strange shape. Used to transmit stimuli in the form of electrochemical signals, unlike other cells, they are constantly not produced throughout life. Unlike most animal cells that communicate via their cell membranes, neurons connect to other neurons via unique connections called synapses. These synapses are different as a thin membrane covers them to protect the delicate neuron ends and ensure the links remain stable.
Red Blood cells or RBCs: Red blood cells are biconcave, but unlike other eukaryotic cells, they do not have a nucleus. This, along with their shape, allows for maximum gaseous absorption. They have an iron-containing pigment called hemoglobin which binds to the oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules to transport them through the body.
The physical change heat examples illustrate the change in physical properties through various phase transition processes due to gaining or losing heat. The article discusses such physical change heat examples that are listed below:
Every solid substance has its melting point at which it is converting into a liquid state on continuous heating. Like solid ice melts into water, the wax of candles also melts gradually due to constant heat application on burning. Then it is converted into liquid form without changing its chemical composition.
Physical Change Heat Examples Wax Melting by Heat (credit: shutterstock)
Evaporating Water by Boiling
Every liquid substance has its boiling point at which converting into a gas state on continuous heating. When water is heated, its temperature and energy increases. Therefore, the molecules within the water start moving apart due to heat energy but stay intact. That means, the water is turns to vapour due to increase in intermolecular distance on continuous heating.
Physical Change Heat Examples Water Evaporate by Boiling (credit: shutterstock)
H2O(l)→ H2O (g)
On the use of heat to water, only its state change occurs, but their bonds between atoms remain the same. i.e., water not breaking up into oxygen and hydrogen during conversion.
When we take hot bathing in the closed-door bathroom, we see several tiny droplets of water in the mirror or window. These water droplets have resulted from the vapors of hot shower streams. When hot gaseous vapors from the shower stream reach a mirror’s cooler surfaces, they also get cool by losing their heat energy and turn into droplets in a liquid state called Condensation.
Physical Change Heat Examples Water droplets by Condensation (credit: shutterstock)
Sublimation of Ice Cube in Vacuum
If you keep the freezer open for some time, the ice cube will disappear or start shrinking without melting into the water because of the dry air. The dry air of the vacuum that passes into the freezer vaporizes the ice cube without melting it. Converting a solid state into a gas state by applying heat without converting a liquid state is called Sublimation or Lyophilization.
When we heat the compound like zinc oxide in a dry test tube, its white color changes yellow. Now, if we lower the heat of the yellow zinc oxide by cooling it, then its color again changes into white color. Also, applying different temperatures to such compounds changes the states from solid to liquid or gas due to phase transition process like melting, boiling, and vaporization.
Physical Change Heat Examples Changing Color by Heating (credit: drmarkforeman)
Illuminating Bulb by Heating its Filament
When the electric current passed through the bulb’s filament, it heated the filament, accelerating its internal particles. The particles start changing position in separate orbits within the filament due to the kinetic energy from the heated filament. While performing the transition from orbits, the phonon particles ejected from the heated filament, called light.
Earlier, we have explained that how temperature changes the density of the substance. Using the same principle, we can change other physical properties of the glass, like its shape, by applying heat. Since thephysical change is reversible, we can again reshape the glass by changing its density using heat.
Physical Change Heat Examples Shaping Glass by Heating (credit: shutterstock)
Glowing of Metal by Heating
When we heat any portion of the metal, it will first glow, and its color changes into red hot. On consecutive heating, the metal starts expanding into another shape due to the faster movement of its molecules. If we still heat the metal continuously, it turns into its liquid state as molten metal. That show the application of heat cause change in physical properties like color, shape, and state.
Physical Change Heat Examples Metal Glow by Heating (source: shutterstock)
Solidification of Molten Metal by Cooling
When we withdraw the heat from the molten metal by cooling, it changes into its solid form with different shapes and colors due to the slower movement of its molecules. The process of decreasing the body’s temperature below its freezing point so that it converts into a solid state is called “Solidification”, which is similar to the water turning into ice in the freezer.
Physical Change Heat Examples Molten Metal Solidified by Cooling (credit: shutterstock)
The solidification process is used to shape the metal.
Soften the Food by Heating
When we heat the food like butter or cheese cube in a pan, it starts melting, and then on further heating, the vapors come out from it, showing its vaporization. If we place the cover on the pan and continue the heating, the vapors start to condense on the cover to form water droplets. The whole process shows how changes in heat result in a different phase transition of the substance.
Physical Change Heat Examples Soften the Cheese Cube by Heating (source: shutterstock)
Melting Ice Cream by Hot Air
The sun is a natural source of heat energy – that can cause various phase transitions of any object without manually adding heat. Due to its heat rays, vacuum air temperature gets increases. Therefore, hot air in a vacuum melted the icy product like ice cream or crayons into a liquid state.
Physical Change Heat Examples Ice cream Melting by Hot Air (credit: shutterstock)
Evaporating Puddles by Sun
The sun supplies us with what most everything on earth demands to go – heat or energy. The sun heat first causes puddles or rainwater to evaporate into vapor gas which rises to the sky to produce clouds due to the sky’s low temperature. That’s how the sun plays the primary role in initiating the water cycle on the earth by applying its natural heat.
Physical Change Heat Examples Puddles Evaporating by Sun (credit: shutterstock)
During different phase transitions in the water cycle process, the water H20 changes only physically due to heat but not chemically.
Smoke of Mosquito Coil By Burning
Burning the mosquito coils produces smoke which efficiently controls mosquitoes in the room. The smoke results from the combusted material of the coil mixed with the air. Therefore, it is a hot vapor or by-product of heat that comprises gases, liquid particles, and carbonaceous matter from the air.
Physical Change Heat Examples Smoke of Coil by Burning (credit: shutterstock)
Matter undergoes various changes in its properties. There are mainly physical and chemical changes. Let us study the physical change examples that occur around us in detail in this post.
Physical changes refer to the change in physical properties of matters such as shape, size, color, etc. It does not produce any new substances. The original nature remains the same even though it has undergone physical changes.
These are very commonly observed physical changes. Let us study these in detail.
Melting and freezing
Melting of ice and freezing of water is a reversible process. The water is basically in liquid form, which freezes like ice below 4° and above the ice melts into the water again. Only the state of the matter changes, and the chemical composition remains the same.
The boiling of water involves the change in the temperature. When you keep the water to boil, there will be only a change in temperature.
Chopping vegetable
To cook, a vegetable is necessary. We often chop the vegetables so that they can cook neatly. When you chop the vegetable into several pieces, does it changes its original nature?
If you think no, then you are absolutely right. The vegetable only broke into many pieces, but its nutrients will never change.
Sanding woods
Sanding is a process that makes the wood smoother. The defects like cutter marks, burns, scratches are removed from the surface by sanding. This makes the change in the appearance of the wood.
Cracking egg
When the egg was cracked, the chicken came out of the white shell. The shell broke into two or three parts which is a better example of physical change.
Crushing a plastic bottle
Plastic bottles are crushed; they become shapeless. We can not judge the shape of the bottles. It only changes its shape, not the internal properties of the components of the substances used in the bottle.
When the glass is broken into pieces, the properties of glass doesn’t alter. Every piece of glass behave its original crystal properties. The pieces can not be stick back to make the proper glass. It is an irreversible physical change.
Color fading of plastic chair
After some time, the plastic chair started fading its color. The exposure to heavy sunlight or rain cause the chair to fade the color . There will be only the change in the color which is a change in the physical properties. The faded color never gets back to the chair on its own.
Folding paper
In childhood, we all made paper boats and rockets. These are very good examples of physical change. We fold the paper to make the paper boat; this makes the paper get the shape of the boat. This can unfold anytime. But there will be a crushed line over the paper. This does not alter the real property.
The sharpening of a knife is most common. The cutting edge of the knife gets sharpened. It became sharper; it is the only physical property of the knife. After some time, the knife may become a little less sharp; then we again sharpen it.
Bending the wire
While making any circuit or any electronic device, we bend the wire accordingly. This changes the shape of the wire. The substance used in making wire does not change its composition, or it has never undergone any reaction to produce new components.
Tying a knot to the rope
Tying knot is another good example of physical change as it does not change the original nature of the materials used in the rope. It is an example of reversible physical change because the knot can be opened anytime.
When the product is delivered, we unbox the product by deconstructing the delivery box; this can be constructed as a box. It is a reversible physical change.
Food dying
Food dying involves adding edible color to food products. It is observed in the icing of a cake. We can add various colors to the icing cream. There will be a change in color. Neither the taste nor the smell changes, not even the new food are produced.
Pressing and folding clothes
To look nice, we press our clothes and fold them to keep them neatly. This is a very common household example for reversible physical changes. After some time, the cloth again has wrinkles and need to press again.
Making dough
Making the dough is another irreversible physical change that happens around us. The mixing of flour and water makes the dough. It only related changes in the physical appearance of the flour—the composition of neither flour nor the water changes.
Thawing meat
Preserving the meat using a bag of leak-proof is submerged in the cold water. The water needs to change every 30 minutes. This process is called thawing. Hence the temperature of meat changes from room temperature to cold temperature.
Mixing salt and sand
A mixture of sand and salt does not make any difference. Salt and sand to do not mix with each other to form a new product. The mixture does not alter the chemical composition of both compounds. The salt and sand remains as the mixture.
The sharpening of a pencil is an irreversible example of physical change. The length of the pencil become shorter with the sharpening. Since length is the physical property of the matter, this change is referred to as the physical change.
Candies are the most favorite for the children. When the varieties of candies are filled in a bowl, The only thing that gets changed is the empty bowl is filled with candies—the position of the candies changes.
Jelly is one kind of example of physical change. The mixture of water, sugar, and gelatin is kept 2-3 hours inside the fridge to become a gel. The liquid state changes to a semi-solid state to become jelly.
When the shoe is polished, the shoe becomes bright, i.e., the physical appearance of the shoe changes.
Dissolving sugar in beverages
Adding extra sugar to the beverages that you drink makes the beverages sweeter than before. It does not affect any other original nature of the beverages.
Mixing of two immiscible liquids
The immiscible liquid like water and oil is mixed; they form a separate layer of the two liquids. They do not dissolve in each other. Only oil floats on water.
Lemonade
Mixing water, sugar, and lemon juice is the lemonade. This mixture has the taste of lemon as well as sugar. They do undergo a change in the physical properties as the sugar dissolves in water and gives a sweet taste, and the lemon also exhibits its taste.
Weaving yarn
A sweater or a blanket is made when the yarn is to be weaved. The length yarn gets a proper shape by sewing or weaving.
Hair cutting
The long hair is cut into short. The hair grew gradually with time. The length of the hair becomes less when it is cut. This is referred to as the physical change in the hair.
When the rock and its sediments are supposed to move to another place by the water, wind, ice, or due to gravity, erosion takes place. This effect makes the rock into many small pieces or changes the shape and position of the rock. This happens only due to the natural forces exerted on the rock.
Sublimation of dry ice
Frozen carbon dioxide is called dry ice. Sublimation involves the solid day ice converting into vapor directly. The transition of solid to gaseous phase of dry ice takes place at -78.5°C.
Vaporization of liquid nitrogen
When the liquid nitrogen is vaporized, it expands its volume by 695 times the original volume. This does not cause any change in the chemical composition.
Melting solid sulfur to liquid sulfur
Another interesting example of the physical change is the melting of solid sulfur. As the sulfur melts, it changes its state to a liquid state; along with this, the color also changes. After the transition chemical property remain. Many nonmetals exhibit this kind of change.
These are very few examples of physical change. Change in the physical properties can be observed everywhere in daily life.
Chemical changes generally happen when two substances react or combine with each other to form a different substance.
When any two or more substances in matter react with one another, two kinds of changes occur: Physical change which is usually reversible and chemical change which is generally irreversible. In this section, we’ll try to understand in detail about the chemical changes taking place in matter and the chemical change examples.
Irreversible processes are the processes in which the matter cannot be brought back into its initial form as the molecular structure of the matter partially or entirely changes.
Properties of chemical change
We can determine if the matter has gone through a chemical change or not with the help of the following properties:
If the molecular composition of the matter/ substance changes.
If the light is produced.
If there is a change in temperature of the matter as energy is either released or absorbed when changes in molecular composition occur.
When the energy is released, it is known as an exothermic reaction.
Further, let us have a close look at these three changes:
1. Organic Changes
‘Carbon’ – one of the most important components of organic chemistry and hence the organic change.
Changes concerned with the chemistry of carbon and elements or compounds with which it reacts are known as Organic Chemistry.
Thus, when a substance undergoes a change involving carbon and its compounds, it is known as organic chemical change or simply organic change.
Some typical examples of organic changes involve:
Cracking of hydrocarbons from crude oil for making gasoline at an oil refinery.
Halogenations, which means reactions that deal with elemental halogens like Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Iodine (I), Bromine (Br), etc.
Condensation reaction in which a single molecule is formed from the combination of two or more molecules. Usually, there is a loss of water when this type of reaction occurs; it is known as condensation reaction.
Methylation, which means adding a methyl group to a substrate.
Polymerization, which includes the reaction of monomer molecules to form a polymer chain in 3-dimensional networks.
2. Inorganic change
Reactions that do not involve ‘carbon’ are known as inorganic reactions and hence inorganic chemical change or simply inorganic change.
The typical types of reactions that inorganic changes involve are:
Mixing of acid with a base, generally known as neutralization.
Redox reactions in which there is a shift in oxidation states of atoms due to oxidation or reduction.
Displacement reactions in which an atom or ion of one compound replaces an atom or ion of another compound.
3. Biochemical Change
It is a chemistry that occurs in living organisms such as plants, animals, humans, microorganisms, etc., where enzymes and proteins control most reactions.Biochemical change is highly complex, and it is still not fully understood.
Typical types of biochemical changes involve:
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria (a group of bacteria) to convert light energy that is generally received from sunlight to convert into chemical energy so that it can be later used to fuel the organism’s activities.
Protein synthesis, which creates protein in molecules that helps in the growth of the organism.
Krebs cycle, which is a process that releases stored energy derived from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates through oxidation.
Digestion is a process in which large food molecules are broken down into small food molecules so that they can be absorbed into blood plasma which helps the body to move and grow.
Rusting is a chemical process that happens when iron or its alloys come in contact with oxygen in the presence of moisture, and hence it is a type of Redox reaction known as oxidation.
Objects submerged in the sea tend to rust faster due to the presence of salt in the seawater through the electrochemical process.
As rusting is a type of irreversible chemical change, iron cannot be brought back into its original form, but it can sure be prevented from rusting by using non-rusting materials or slow rusting materials as a protective coat on deteriorating materials, by galvanizing the material, or by coating the material by painting, wax tapes, varnish, and lacquer.
Cooking food is the simplest example of chemical change. For cooking any food, the raw ingredients are either boiled, fried, baked or sautéed. In any case, there is a change in its chemical composition, which cannot be reversed back. When the raw ingredients are cooked, there is a change in flavor, color, nutritional composition, etc.
3. Digestion of food in the stomach
When the food that we eat reaches the stomach, it mixes with several digestive juices and enzymes that the stomach makes. The stomach’s strong muscles blend the food with enzymes and digestive juices to turn the food into a usable form. Once this process is completed, the food slowly enters the small intestine via a short tube between the stomach and the small intestine. Here the next step takes place when the juices produced in the pancreas and liver turn the food into energy. As a result, a lot of processes take place that completely change the food’s chemical composition. And thus, digestion of food is a chemical change.
4. Burning wood
Burning of wood is an example of chemical reaction as the structure and chemical composition of the wood change as a whole. Oxygen is an essential component when it comes to igniting something. In the absence of oxygen, the material would not catch fire or would not get ignited. So, when the wood log is kindled, it turns into ashes releasing carbon dioxide and water vapor.
There are multiple reasons behind fruit/vegetables or any food getting rotten, such as prolonged exposure of food in closed spaces in the presence of moisture, fermenting, acidifying, etc. Such processes create bacteria and fungi that sometimes cannot be harmful themselves, but their waste products may cause severe implications to one’s health.
Decomposition is a process that breaks down large pieces of matter into smaller ones. It is affected by several factors such as the soil’s surface, temperature, accessibility to flies or insects, oxygen, humidity, composition, and the matter’s internal components. The rate of decomposition also varies due to all such factors.
7.Firecrackers
Various chemical powders are filled inside a firecracker, which, when set to fire, react with each other producing different types of sound, color, lighting and patterns. For a firecracker to burn with its expected result, it needs some amount of energy known as ActivationEnergy . Once the tip of the firecracker is ignited, heat is produced that provides the required activation energy to the firecracker to show its beautiful result in the form of lighting and color.
Still, with this stunning effect, there comes a severe issue, that is the release of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere such as carbon monoxide, potassium, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, ammonia, etc., that create air pollution, which in turn has adverse effects on human health, animals and plants. Also, various institutions are researching to make an Eco-friendly alternative to firecrackers.
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy received from sunlight into chemical energy that can further fuel the body’s movement and growth. This energy is stored in starch and sugars present in the particular body. Plants absorb Carbon Dioxide and water from the surrounding environment like air and soil and, in turn, emit oxygen in the presence of light which acts as a catalyst.
A general equation for photosynthesis in plants is given as:
A light-absorbing pigment known as chlorophyll, responsible for giving the green colour in plants absorbs energy from blue-light and red-light and reflects the green-light, making the plant appear green.
Thanks to plants for which oxygen is a waste, due to which all life forms on earth can breathe.
9.Leaves changing color
Many factors affect the change in color of leaves. One such is the breaking down of chlorophyll pigments, due to which plants lose their green color. When chlorophyll breaks down, another pigment known as Anthocyanin, responsible for the red color in leaves, comes to the rescue that protects the leaves from harmful sun-rays. But this doesn’t last for an extended period of time; eventually, these leaves dry out and fall off. Similarly, different pigments are responsible for different colors in plants.
Some other reasons for leaves changing color are drought, disease, change in the soil pH level, too little or too much availability of water and root damage.
The reaction between acid and base is referred to as Neutralization. It can be used to determine the pH level of a substance.
When neutralization takes place, the resultants come out as a mixture of salt and water.
Acid + Base→Salt + Water
One of the most famous and easy examples of this reaction is the mixture of Hydrochloric acid with Sodium Hydroxide, which is a base, both in aqueous form, that yields Sodium Chloride and water.
When you want to alter the direction of a control line (rope), or when you want to modify the mechanical force of the line and movement necessary to move a connected item, a pulley is the tool you want to employ.
When working on big sailboats, compound pulleys are more commonly utilised in association with other ropes and pulleys. They are employed in a variety of situations when it is necessary to alter the direction of a tug on a rope as well as to provide mechanical advantage.
A foresail (the rope used to lift the sail) will pass through a block at the top of the mast while hoisting a sail, allowing you to pull down on the rope while standing on deck, and the sail will be hoisted.
Using a system of pulleys can be somewhat more difficult, but it can give a significant mechanical benefit by significantly lowering the amount of force used to move an object. It is possible to reduce the amount of force necessary to elevate an object attached to a moveable pulley in half by using only one movable pulley. But it shifts the essential force’s direction.
An elevator is a contemporary engineering device that utilises a pulley system to accomplish a function similar to that of elevating a huge stone for pyramid construction.
An elevator without pulleys would require a large motor to straighten the rope. Rather than relying on a powerful motor, some elevators rely on a heavy weight that utilises gravity to assist in raising the elevator car.
It is typical on construction sites, where cranes are frequently used to lift large steel and concrete structures. A combination of pulleys (also known as compound pulleys) or ropes may have more than two pulleys or ropes in order to get the desired result. The more pulleys connected to the system, the easier it is to lift the weight.
A compound pulley may consist of more than two pulleys or ropes, depending on the application. The greater the number of pulleys used, the longer it may take to raise an object, but the weight will be considerably easier to lift as a result of the increased number of pulleys.
With the help of the compound pulley, it will be much simpler to lift the load, though it may take a little longer to do so.
One of the common compound pulley examples which we observe in our surroundings is the garage door. Four pulleys are located on the garage door: one on each side at the top corner where the vertical and horizontal tracks connect, and one at the end of each spring.
These pulleys are equipped with ball bearings, which allow them to move smoothly and silently as the door is raised and lowered.
Pulling down on a pulley rather than pulling up on a rope to lift a heavy object saves time and energy since the rope is not lifted. As an illustration, consider another compound pulley example of flagpole.
A flagpole is raised into the air when its rope is pulled down, and the flag is sent flying up into the air. This is due to the fact that a flagpole is equipped with a compound pulley.
Gym equipment like machines with pulley, lat pulling down and many other chest exercise equipment are the most common compound pulley examples . The more pulleys attached to the load, the easier it is to raise. A lot less work is required because of the way it is designed.
So these all are the common and easily available compound pulley examples in our surroundings.
FAQ’s
Q. What do you mean by pulley?
Ans: Pulleys are simply called the ‘simple machines’.
A pulley is nothing but simply a collection of one or more wheels around which a rope is wrapped.
These are referred to as “simple machines” by scientists since they enable people to double the forces required to carry a heavy object. Utilizing a pulley significantly increases the force generated by your physical efforts.
Fixed: In a fixed pulley, the axle is supported by bearings. A stationary pulley reverses the force on a rope or belt moving around it. Accompanying a fixed pulley with a moveable pulley or a variable diameter fixed pulley provides mechanical benefit.
Movable: A moveable pulley is a pulley with an axle that is contained within a movable block. Two segments of the same rope are used to support a single moving pulley, giving it a mechanical advantage of two over the other.
Compound: Compound pulleys, commonly known as block and tackle pulleys, are used to create a block and tackle system. Multiple pulleys can be installed on the fixed and movable axles of a block and tackle, significantly improving the mechanical advantage. The compound pulley examples are sailboats, elevator, flagpole etc.
Q. What are the different advantages of using a pulley?
Ans: There are many advantages we get by using a pulley system.
It is one of the simplest alternatives for heavy lifting and installation. The amount of force required to move (lift) a heavy object decreases considerably.
It offers excellent structural support for the thing.
Force may be exerted in any direction at any point in time. It contributes to the shift in the direction of a force or movement.
The pulley mechanism does not store energy during operation.
Q. Is there any disadvantage of using a pulley?
Ans: There are some disadvantages of using the pulley.
The pulley operates by friction. It may slide, resulting in energy loss in the form of heat.
The weight travels a greater distance when employing a combination pulley system (increase lifting distance). It takes longer to achieve a desired position with a pulley than it was before.
The constant stress on the driving parts creates the stretches. It may cause rope creep and finally break.
The knowledge of distance is necessary for an individual to estimate the length of movement. Here are some examples which explain distance in detail.
Trekking to a hill
Trekking to a hill is an example of distance. When an individual or group of people goes on trekking, they usually have a map that tells them the total length to be covered right from starting to the endpoint of the destination.
Going to the office requires some distance to be traveled and is an example of distance. If your office is at a distance of 7Km from your place, the distance is the total length of the path moved by a body.
Jogging is an example of distance. Many people have a habit of going on a jog, and it involves a certain distance to be covered. It is a form of exercise that includes many people’s daily routine, and these people usually cover a distance of 5-6 Km through jogging.
Hare and tortoise are some of the moral-value-based stories which we have usually read in our childhood. It is based on the racing between the hare and tortoise, which involves a specific distance to win the game. It can be an example of distance.
Playing hide and seek is a fun game. While playing this game, we usually run, searching for a place irrespective of the direction to hide; so that we won’t get caught. If the total distance covered to run is 19m, then it is an example of distance.
While shooting a scene, it is necessary to take shots from different angles; for this purpose, the camera is moved to certain places to capture the required photos. It involves the movement of the object to cover a certain length and is an example of distance.
Monkey, which lives in a forest, roams, and travels wherever it wants, can be an example of distance. The roaming of a monkey involves movement that covers the specific length of the path of 4Km; on which it moves irrespective of the direction.
Distributing of cake is an example of distance. It is necessary to cut and divide the cake into equal parts to get an equal amount of cake. To distribute the cake equally, it is essential to part it at a correct distance from one piece to another.
In general, while cooking, the vegetables are chopped in a particular size and shape. To chop these vegetables in a proper size, one must know the distance at which length should part it. Therefore, it is an example of distance.
The entire ocean involves many creatures living in it. Fishes are creatures that usually travel in groups from their rest point to some other point in search of food without considering the direction of the path. If we assume that they cover a length of 25Km, then it is an example of distance.
It is a necessity to maintain social distancing during pandemics. If we consider the total length of the line, considering only the initial and final point of the waiting line, then it is an example of distance.
Formation of positions while performing a dance in a parade is based on the length of the course of the path to be covered. If it covers a total length approximately equal to 4Km, then it is an example of distance.
Traveling on a curved path requires skill in driving and is an example of distance. A body moves in a curved way, not taking into account itsdirection, and here, calculating the distance covered by the body is a measure of the total length of the route between the starting and end reference points.
Hurdles is one of the challenging games in the world. It is similar to a marathon, but here the contestant jumps on the hurdle bars at specific distances. The total length required to reach the endpoint is the total distance covered by the person. Therefore, it is an example of distance.
Children reach their school by walking or by transport. Consider that the school is at a certain distance of 3Km from their initial point; here, distance is the calculation of the total length of the street on which they have to travel. It is an example of distance.
Caterers or streetfood
Caterers or owners of street food shops have a necessity to move to particular places where they can sell food. While traveling, they cover a certain length of the path, not taking into account the direction of movement, the size of the course of motion is an example of distance.
We usually enjoy going on a ride on our bicycle with our beloved ones. While planning a riding trip, we initially estimate the length of the path. Here, the total length is considered to be the distance and hence is an example of distance.
Carrying heavy baggage
When we have a piece of heavybaggage to carry from one end to theother end of the street, first we estimate the length of the street and then think is it possible to cover such a long length. Here the total length of the road is the distance.
The racecourse of car racing involves many curves and a muddy path. It isn’t easy to drive on such routes. The racecourse is such a long path that is approximately equal to 60Km, where the total distance is a measure of the course of 60Km. It is an example of distance.
The research trips, especially of geology students, require traveling to different places in a day searching for other rocks for the study. Here the places they traveled have different distances, and when they come back to their initial point, we can get the total length.
Scientists now know the distance between the sun and planets. All the planets are at different positions from the sun, and the length of the path between them varies. If we consider traveling to the last planet from the initial one, the total length is the distance between start and endpoints. It is an example of distance.
Is distance the shortest length between two objects?
Distance is not the shortest length between initial and final points.
Distance is the total sum of the length of the path on which the body moves during its motion. Whereas, Displacement is called the shortest path between the two references, i.e., a start and an endpoint.
What are the applications of the distance formula in daily life?
There are many applications in everyday life where the formula of distance can be applied.
The distance formula in physics consists of speed and time interrelated with each other. It is used by plumbers, locksmiths, drivers, designers, engineers, and even doctors. So, that they get an idea of how much distance is required to do a specific task.
What are the real-life examples of distance?
The real-life examples of distance formula are as follows,
Navigation of objects underwater.
The pilot uses the distance formula to estimate the distance between other planes.
To find the length of solids.
To estimate the distance between two locations.
It is essential in the odometer wheel for surveying.
It is used by architects while planning interiors.
Carpenters use it.
What is the relation between speed, distance, and time?
The distance of a body, its speed, and time are interconnected with each other.
The distance of a body in motion is calculated by multiplying speed and time. We can interchange the quantities to estimate the unknown amount.
Distance= d= s * t
S = speed of the body.
t = Time taken by the body to complete the movement.
Why is the distance necessary?
Distance is what we use daily to estimate the length which we have to travel.
In general, we estimate the distance of the path we have to travel while going to school, college, office, etc. Distance does not mean only traveling; it is also used in many other aspects by different people of different professions. If we have a proper idea of the distance, only then it is possible to complete the specific task.
Elastic force is a type of force that occurs when an object is stretched or compressed. It is a restorative force that tries to bring the object back to its original shape or size. This force is commonly observed in everyday life and has various applications. One example of elastic force is a spring. When a spring is stretched or compressed, it exerts a force that tries to return it to its original length. Another example is a rubber band. When a rubber band is stretched, it exerts an elastic force that pulls it back to its original shape. These are just a few examples of how elastic force is present in our daily lives.
Key Takeaways
Object
Elastic Force Example
Spring
Stretching or compressing a spring exerts an elastic force.
Rubber Band
Stretching a rubber band exerts an elastic force.
Balloon
Inflating a balloon creates an elastic force that tries to return it to its original shape.
Trampoline
Jumping on a trampoline creates an elastic force that propels you back up.
Bungee Cord
Bungee jumping involves an elastic force that pulls you back up after the fall.
Examples of Elastic Force in Everyday Life
Elastic force is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the ability of objects to return to their original shape after being stretched or compressed. This force is present in various everyday objects and activities, demonstrating the principles of elasticity and the laws of physics. Let’s explore some examples of elastic force in action.
Resistance bands are commonly used in fitness training to provide resistance and build strength. These bands are made of elastic materials that can be stretched and then return to their original shape. When you stretch a resistance band, you are applying a force that causes the band to resist and pull back, creating tension. This stretching and recoiling action is a result of the elastic force at play.
Rubber bands are another familiar example of elastic force. These small loops of rubber can be stretched and then released, causing them to snap back into their original shape. The stretching of a rubber band involves the application of force, which stores potential energy in the band. When released, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, causing the rubber band to rapidly return to its original form.
Many clothing items, such as pants and skirts, feature elastic waistbands. These waistbands are designed to stretch and accommodate different body sizes while maintaining a snug fit. The elastic force in the waistband allows it to expand when stretched and then contract back to its original size. This elasticity provides comfort and flexibility in everyday wear.
Spring toys, such as Slinkys and wind-up toys, rely on the elastic force of springs to create entertaining movements. When a spring is compressed or stretched, it exerts a force that tries to return it to its original shape. This force causes the spring toy to bounce, wiggle, or move in a unique way. The compression and expansion of the spring store and release potential energy, resulting in the toy’s playful motion.
A spring mattress is constructed with numerous interconnected springs that provide support and comfort. These springs are designed to compress and expand when pressure is applied, allowing the mattress to conform to the body’s shape. The elastic force of the springs enables the mattress to bounce back and maintain its original form after being compressed, ensuring a comfortable sleeping surface.
Guitar strings are under constant tension, creating the elastic force necessary for producing sound. When a guitar string is plucked or strummed, it vibrates back and forth, creating sound waves. The tension in the string determines the pitch of the sound produced. The elasticity of the guitar strings allows them to vibrate and return to their original position, producing clear and resonant tones.
In archery, the bow’s string is an essential component that stores elastic potential energy. When the string is pulled back, it stretches and stores potential energy, which is then transferred to the arrow upon release. The elastic force of the bow’s string propels the arrow forward with speed and accuracy. The tension in the string is carefully adjusted to achieve the desired distance and trajectory.
Sports balls, such as basketballs, soccer balls, and tennis balls, rely on elastic force for their unique properties. When these balls are kicked, thrown, or hit, they compress and deform momentarily. The elastic force within the ball causes it to quickly regain its shape, resulting in a bounce or rebound. This elasticity allows for dynamic gameplay and exciting sports activities.
These examples highlight the presence of elastic force in our everyday lives. Whether it’s the stretching of a resistance band, the recoil of a rubber band, or the bouncing of a sports ball, elastic force plays a crucial role in various objects and activities. Understanding the principles of elasticity and the laws of physics behind these phenomena enhances our appreciation of the world around us.
A trampoline sheet is a key component of a trampoline, providing the surface for bouncing and jumping. It is typically made of a strong and flexible material that can withstand the impact and pressure exerted by the user. The trampoline sheet is designed to have a high level of elasticity, allowing it to stretch and spring back into shape when weight is applied to it.
The [‘Bungee Jumping Cord‘] is an essential part of the trampoline sheet that contributes to its elasticity and bounce. It is responsible for providing the necessary tension and resistance that allows users to experience the thrill of bouncing and jumping on a trampoline. The bungee jumping cord is made of a highly elastic material, such as rubber, which can stretch and return to its original length.
When a person jumps on a trampoline, the spring compression and rubber band stretching of the trampoline sheet and bungee jumping cord come into play. As the person lands on the trampoline sheet, the sheet and cord compress and stretch, storing potential energy. This potential energy is then converted into kinetic energy as the person bounces back up.
The physics behind the elasticity of the trampoline sheet and bungee jumping cord can be explained by Hooke’s law. According to this law, the extension or deformation of an elastic material is directly proportional to the force applied to it. In the case of a trampoline, the tension force in the bungee jumping cord causes the trampoline sheet to deform and stretch.
The trampoline sheet and bungee jumping cord also demonstrate the concepts of stress and strain. Stress refers to the force applied to an object, while strain is the resulting deformation or change in shape. The elastic limit of the trampoline sheet and cord is the point at which they can no longer return to their original shape and may experience permanent deformation.
In terms of collisions, the trampoline sheet and bungee jumping cord exhibit both elastic and inelastic collisions. When a person jumps on the trampoline, the collision between their body and the trampoline sheet is elastic, as the energy is conserved and transferred back to the person, causing them to bounce higher. However, some energy is also dissipated as heat and sound, resulting in an inelastic collision.
The trampoline sheet and bungee jumping cord can be likened to other elastic systems, such as a bow and arrow or a catapult. Just as the tension in a bowstring propels an arrow forward, the tension in the bungee jumping cord launches a person into the air. The elastic potential energy stored in the trampoline sheet and cord is released, propelling the person upwards.
Detailed Examination of Elastic Force Examples
Tension and Elastic Force Examples
When it comes to tension and elastic force, there are various real-life examples that demonstrate these concepts in action. One common example is the stretching of a rubber band. As you pull on a rubber band, you can feel the resistance it offers. This resistance is due to the elastic force within the rubber band, which tries to bring it back to its original shape. The more you stretch the rubber band, the greater the tension and elastic force it exerts.
Another example of tension and elastic force is seen in bungee jumping. As a person jumps off a tall structure, they are attached to a bungee cord. The cord stretches and provides tension, which helps to slow down the person’s fall and prevent them from hitting the ground. The elastic force in the bungee cord allows for a thrilling and safe experience.
Elastic Spring Force Examples
Elastic spring force is another aspect of elastic force that can be observed in various scenarios. One classic example is a spring that is compressed. When you compress a spring, it resists your effort by exerting an elastic force. This force is proportional to the amount of compression applied to the spring, according to Hooke’s law. The potential energy stored in the compressed spring is then released when the compression is released, causing the spring to bounce back to its original shape.
Trampolines also demonstrate the concept of elastic spring force. When you jump on a trampoline, the surface stretches and provides an elastic force that propels you upwards. This elastic force allows you to bounce higher and perform various acrobatic movements. The trampoline’s springs store and release elastic potential energy, resulting in an exhilarating experience.
Force and Elasticity
The concept of force and elasticity is closely related to stress and strain. Elastic materials, such as rubber or certain metals, exhibit elasticity when subjected to external forces. These materials can deform under stress but return to their original shape once the force is removed. This ability to recover from deformation is due to the elastic force within the material.
Elasticity is quantified by the elastic modulus, which measures the material’s resistance to deformation. Different materials have different elastic moduli, determining their level of elasticity. When a material is subjected to forces beyond its elastic limit, it may undergo permanent deformation and lose its ability to return to its original shape. This is known as plastic deformation.
The concept of elasticity is also relevant in the study of collisions. In elastic collisions, objects collide and bounce off each other without any loss of kinetic energy. This is seen in sports like billiards, where the balls collide and rebound off each other. In contrast, inelastic collisions involve a loss of kinetic energy, resulting in objects sticking together or deforming upon impact.
Bow and arrow tension and catapult launching are examples that demonstrate the application of elastic force in projectile motion. The tension in a bowstring or the elastic force in a catapult‘s elastic band provides the necessary force to launch an arrow or projectile. The stored elastic potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, propelling the projectile forward.
Experiments and Formulas Related to Elastic Force
Elastic force is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the force exerted by elastic materials when they are stretched or compressed. Understanding the experiments and formulas related to elastic force is crucial in various fields, including engineering, sports, and materials science. In this article, we will explore different experiments and formulas that help us comprehend the behavior of elastic materials.
Elastic Force Experiment
One common experiment to study elastic force is spring compression. By attaching weights to a spring and measuring the resulting displacement, we can observe how the spring responds to the applied force. This experiment allows us to investigate Hooke’s law, which states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to its displacement.
Another experiment involves stretching a rubber band. By measuring the force required to stretch the rubber band to different lengths, we can analyze its elastic properties. This experiment is relevant in understanding the behavior of elastic materials used in everyday objects like slingshots and bungee cords.
What is the Formula for Elastic Force?
The formula for elastic force depends on the type of elastic material and the nature of the deformation. For a spring, the formula is given by Hooke’s law:
F = kx
In this equation, F represents the elastic force exerted by the spring, k is the spring constant (a measure of its stiffness), and x is the displacement from the spring’s equilibrium position. This formula shows that the elastic force is directly proportional to the displacement.
What is the Equation for Elastic Force?
The equation for elastic force can also be expressed in terms of potential energy. When an elastic material is deformed, it stores potential energy. The equation for elastic potential energy is:
PE = (1/2)kx^2
Here, PE represents the potential energy stored in the elastic material, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement. This equation demonstrates the relationship between the elastic force and the potential energy stored in the material.
Force on an Elastic Material Equation
In general, the force on an elastic material can be calculated using the equation:
F = kΔL
In this equation, F represents the force, k is the elastic modulus (a measure of the material’s stiffness), and ΔL is the change in length or deformation of the material. This equation applies to various scenarios, such as trampoline bouncing, bow and arrow tension, and catapult launching.
Understanding the force on an elastic material is essential in analyzing stress and strain. When the force exceeds the elastic limit of a material, it undergoes permanent deformation, leading to a loss of elasticity. By studying the force on elastic materials, we can determine their suitability for specific applications and ensure their safe usage.
Understanding Elastic Force
Elastic force is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the force exerted by elastic materials when they are stretched or compressed. It is a type of force that causes objects to return to their original shape and size after being deformed. Understanding elastic force is crucial in various fields, including engineering, sports, and everyday life.
Elastic Force Definition and Examples
Elastic force is the force exerted by elastic materials, such as springs, rubber bands, and bungee cords, when they are stretched or compressed. This force is directly proportional to the amount of deformation applied to the material. According to Hooke’s law, the force is equal to the spring constant multiplied by the displacement from the equilibrium position.
Some examples of elastic force in action include:
Spring Compression: When a spring is compressed, it exerts an elastic force that pushes back against the applied force. This is commonly observed in various mechanical systems, such as car suspensions and mattress coils.
Rubber Band Stretching: When a rubber band is stretched, it stores potential energy in the form of elastic potential energy. This energy is released when the rubber band returns to its original shape, propelling objects forward. Rubber bands are used in various applications, from launching paper airplanes to securing items together.
Bungee Jumping:Bungee cords are elastic materials that provide a thrilling experience in extreme sports. When a person jumps off a high platform, the bungee cord stretches and exerts an upward elastic force, preventing the person from hitting the ground.
Trampoline Bouncing: Trampolines are designed with elastic materials that allow users to bounce back up after jumping. The elastic force exerted by the trampoline mat absorbs the impact and propels the person upwards.
What is Elastic Force Example?
To better understand elastic force, let’s consider an example of an elastic collision. In an elastic collision, two objects collide and bounce off each other without any loss of kinetic energy. This occurs due to the elastic force exerted by the objects, which causes them to deform and then return to their original shape.
For instance, imagine two billiard balls colliding on a pool table. When they collide, the elastic force causes the balls to compress and deform momentarily. However, due to the elastic properties of the balls, they quickly regain their original shape and bounce off each other. This phenomenon is a result of the elastic force at play.
Define Elastic Force with Examples
Elastic force can be defined as the force exerted by elastic materials when they are stretched or compressed. It is a restoring force that brings the material back to its original shape and size after deformation. This force is present in various scenarios, such as trampoline bouncing, slingshot launching, and bow and arrow tension.
In trampoline bouncing, the elastic force of the trampoline mat pushes the person back up, allowing them to jump higher. Similarly, in slingshot launching, the elastic force of the rubber band propels the projectile forward when released. Bow and arrow tension also rely on elastic force, as the stretched bowstring stores potential energy that is converted into kinetic energy when released.
Understanding elastic force is essential in materials science and engineering, as it helps in designing structures and objects that can withstand stress and strain. Elastic materials have a specific elastic limit, beyond which they undergo permanent deformation. By studying elastic force and the behavior of elastic materials, engineers can ensure the safety and durability of various products.
Misconceptions and Clarifications about Elastic Force
Elastic force is a fascinating concept in physics that is often misunderstood. Let’s address some common misconceptions and provide clarifications to deepen our understanding of this fundamental force.
Which is not an Example of Elastic Force?
When discussing elastic force, it’s important to distinguish between examples that demonstrate its principles and those that do not. While spring compression, rubber band stretching, bungee jumping, trampoline bouncing, slingshot launching, bow and arrow tension, and catapult launching are all examples of elastic force, elastic collision and elastic rebound theory are not. Elastic collision refers to the collision between two objects where kinetic energy is conserved, while elastic rebound theory explains the behavior of objects after an elastic collision.
Does Elastic Force Pull Objects Towards Each Other?
One common misconception is that elastic force pulls objects towards each other. In reality, elastic force is a restoring force that acts in the opposite direction to the displacement of an object. According to Hooke’s law, the force exerted by an elastic material is directly proportional to the displacement from its equilibrium position. This means that when an object is stretched or compressed, the elastic force acts to restore it to its original shape or position.
Is Elastic Energy Potential Energy?
Yes, elastic energy is a form of potential energy. When an elastic material is deformed, it stores potential energy within its structure. This potential energy is released when the material returns to its original shape or position. The amount of elastic potential energy stored depends on the elastic modulus of the material and the amount of deformation it undergoes.
Is Elastic a Potential Energy?
While elastic energy is a form of potential energy, it’s important to note that not all potential energy is elastic. Elastic potential energy specifically refers to the potential energy stored in an elastic material due to its deformation. Other forms of potential energy, such as gravitational potential energy or chemical potential energy, are not directly related to elasticity.
By addressing these misconceptions and clarifying the nature of elastic force, we can develop a more accurate understanding of this fundamental concept in physics. Remember, elastic force is not about pulling objects towards each other, but rather about restoring objects to their original shape or position. Elastic energy is a form of potential energy, specifically related to the deformation of elastic materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does an Elastic Material Exert Elastic Force?
When it comes to understanding how an elastic material exerts elastic force, we need to delve into the fascinating world of elasticity physics. Elasticity is the property of a material that allows it to regain its original shape after being deformed. This ability to bounce back is due to the arrangement of atoms or molecules within the material.
One of the fundamental principles that governs the behavior of elastic materials is Hooke’s law. According to Hooke’s law, the force exerted by an elastic material is directly proportional to the amount of deformation it undergoes. This means that as you stretch or compress an elastic material, it will exert a force in the opposite direction, trying to return to its original shape.
To understand this concept better, let’s consider the example of a spring. When you compress a spring, you are applying a force that squeezes the atoms or molecules closer together. As a result, the spring exerts an elastic force that pushes back against the compression, trying to extend back to its original length. Similarly, when you stretch a rubber band, it exerts an elastic force that pulls it back to its original size.
The ability of elastic materials to exert elastic force is closely related to the concept of potential energy. When an elastic material is deformed, it stores potential energy within its structure. This potential energy is then released as the material returns to its original shape, resulting in the exertion of elastic force.
Which is more Elastic: Rubber or Steel?
When comparing the elasticity of different materials, it’s important to consider their elastic modulus. The elastic modulus is a measure of a material’s stiffness or rigidity and indicates how much it will deform under a given amount of stress.
Rubber and steel are two commonly used materials with distinct elastic properties. Rubber is known for its high elasticity, which allows it to stretch significantly without breaking. This property makes rubber ideal for applications such as rubber bands, bungee cords, and trampoline mats.
On the other hand, steel is a much stiffer material with a higher elastic modulus compared to rubber. While steel can also deform under stress, it requires a much greater force to do so. This property makes steel less elastic than rubber.
In terms of elasticity, rubber is generally considered to be more elastic than steel. However, it’s important to note that the concept of elasticity can vary depending on the context. For example, when it comes to withstanding high forces without permanent deformation, steel is often preferred due to its higher elastic limit.
What are some examples of elastic force and how do they relate to spring force?
The concept of elastic force, as explained in the article Elastic Force Examples, refers to the force exerted by a material when it is stretched or compressed. On the other hand, spring force is a specific type of elastic force that is generated by a spring when it is stretched or compressed. Some examples of spring force include the force exerted by a coiled spring in a watch or the force exerted by a trampoline when someone jumps on it. By exploring the intersection between elastic force and spring force, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the principles of elasticity apply specifically to springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the definition of elastic force in physics?
Elastic force in physics is the force exerted by an object when it is stretched or compressed. It is a restoring force that acts to return the object to its original shape. This force is directly proportional to the amount of stretch or compression, following Hooke’s Law.
2. Can you provide examples of tension and elastic force?
Sure! An example of tension force is the force exerted on a string or a rope when it is pulled from both ends. An example of elastic force is the force exerted by a spring when it is compressed or stretched. Other examples include the stretching of a rubber band, the tension in a bow and arrow, and the force exerted by a bungee cord during a jump.
3. What is the formula for elastic force?
The formula for elastic force is given by Hooke’s Law, which states that the force (F) exerted by a spring is equal to the negative product of its spring constant (k) and the displacement (x) from its equilibrium position. This can be written as F = -kx.
4. Can you provide examples of elastic spring force?
Yes, a common example of elastic spring force is a trampoline. When a person jumps on a trampoline, the springs are compressed, storing potential energy. This energy is then released, propelling the person into the air. Another example is a spring-loaded door hinge that closes the door automatically after it has been opened.
5. What is an elastic force experiment I can try?
A simple elastic force experiment involves a spring and some weights. Attach weights to the spring and measure how much it stretches with each added weight. This will demonstrate Hooke’s Law, which states that the extension of a spring is directly proportional to the load applied to it.
6. Can you provide examples of elastic force in everyday life?
Certainly! Elastic force can be observed in many everyday scenarios. For example, the stretching of a rubber band, the bouncing of a basketball, the stretching of a bungee cord during a jump, and the compression of a spring in a mechanical pen are all examples of elastic force.
7. Is elastic energy considered potential energy?
Yes, elastic energy is a form of potential energy. It is the energy stored in an object when it is stretched or compressed. When the object returns to its original shape, the stored energy is released.
8. Does elastic force pull objects towards each other?
No, elastic force does not pull objects towards each other. Instead, it acts to restore an object to its original shape after it has been stretched or compressed.
9. What is the equation for the force on an elastic material?
The equation for the force on an elastic material is given by Hooke’s Law, which states that the force (F) is equal to the negative product of the material’s spring constant (k) and the displacement (x) from its equilibrium position. This can be written as F = -kx.
10. What is the elastic rebound theory?
The elastic rebound theory is a theory used to explain earthquakes. It suggests that the Earth’s crust deforms elastically when stress is applied (such as tectonic forces), and when the stress exceeds the elastic limit of the rocks, they fracture and snap back to their original shape, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves.
