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GCSE level Physics exam revision notes on forces
Forces 1: 1.4 Examples of non-contact forces - forces between objects not touching each other
explained
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INDEX of my physics notes on FORCES
Section 1. An introduction
1.4 Non-contact
forces - examples of forces between objects not touching each other
If the objects are subjected to a force,
but do not need to be in contact with each other, the force would be
described as a non-contact force e.g. three classic
non-contact force
fields acting between objects that are
not touching ...
Non-contact force of gravity - objects acted upon by a gravitational field
force
The gravitational
field attraction force between any two objects.
Any object in a gravitational
field experiences the force of gravity.
note:
(i) A falling object in air,
experiences the non-contact force of gravity and the contact force
of friction between the object and air - air resistance.
(ii) Objects in contact with
each other will
still experience the 'non-contact' force of gravitational
attraction - any object standing motionless on a surface.
 Non-contact
force of magnetism
- magnetic object in a magnetic field
The magnetic force field of attraction between a magnetised material and another magnetic
material - which may or may not be already magnetised.
Any object that is magnetic or
can be magnetised, will experience a force from the magnetic field
of a magnet.
This can be the magnetic force
of attraction of iron towards a magnet (permanent and induced N-S pole
attraction), two magnets attracted by their opposite poles (N-S
<= N-S), or two like poles of magnets
repelling each other (N<=>N or S<=>S poles) - possible magnetic field effects.
You see the magnetic field
non-contact force in action as a magnet attracts and picks up an
iron nail. Initially there is no contact, but once attached there is
contact, but the attractive force is still present even if they are
in contact.
You can have an object is
suspended by magnetic repulsion, where there is no contact at all.
Non-contact force of electrostatic force
- between charged or polarizable objects in an electric field
The
attraction (+ -) or repulsion (- - or + +)
interaction of two objects carrying an electrical charge - the
attractive electrical
field force effect.
A simple example is a rubbed charged
plastic rod picking up tiny bits of paper.
See Static electricity and electric fields, uses
and dangers of static electricity
Note: gravity only
involves attraction (as far as we know?), but magnetic and
electrical forces involve both the forces of attraction and
repulsion.
INDEX of my physics notes on FORCES Section 1. An
introduction
Key points
about
FORCES - examples of non-contact force interactions
Information
sources for Doc Brown's key points: IGCSE-GCSE physics are based on
textbooks & syllabus-specifications for students taking the UK AQA, Edexcel,
OCR 21st Century Science, OCR Gateway science suite, WJEC, CCEA and CIE GCSE
physics 9-1 level science examinations
A structured set of summary
revision notes on non-contact forces, tailored to
the major UK GCSE/IGCSE physics exam boards (WJEC, CCEA, CIE, AQA, Edexcel,
OCR), with examples and exam tips to help students master this topic.
What Are Non-Contact Forces?
- Non-contact forces
act without physical contact between objects.
- These forces operate through
fields such as gravitational, magnetic, or electric fields.
- All non-contact forces are vector
quantities – they have magnitude and
direction.
Examples of Non-Contact Forces
| Non-Contact Force |
Description |
Real-Life Example |
| Gravitational Force |
Attraction between masses due to
gravity |
An apple falling from a tree |
| Electrostatic Force |
Attraction or repulsion between
charged particles |
A balloon sticking to a wall after
rubbing hair |
| Magnetic Force |
Attraction or repulsion between
magnetic poles |
A magnet attracting iron filings |
Tip:
These forces act at a distance and can be represented using
field lines in diagrams.
Typical Exam Board Requirements
|
Key Focus Areas |
| Define non-contact forces, give
examples, compare with contact forces |
| Describe field-based interactions, use
diagrams, apply to real-world scenarios |
| Explain force fields, distinguish
force types, apply Newton’s laws |
| Identify non-contact forces, describe
effects, use examples |
| Define and explain non-contact forces,
apply to motion and interaction |
| Describe non-contact forces, use
diagrams, explain effects on motion |
Key Characteristics
- Gravitational Force:
- Acts between any two masses.
- On Earth, it gives objects
weight.
- Electrostatic Force:
- Acts between charged particles.
- Can be attractive or
repulsive.
- Magnetic Force:
- Acts between magnetic
materials or moving charges.
- Can also be attractive
or repulsive.
Tip:
Use correct terminology - say gravitational force or
electrostatic attraction,
NOT just “gravity” or “static”.
Student Tips for Exam Success
- Learn definitions and
examples for each non-contact force.
- Practice drawing field diagrams
(e.g. gravitational field around Earth).
- Use real-world scenarios
to explain forces (e.g. magnets repelling).
- Understand how non-contact forces relate
to Newton’s Laws.
- Avoid vague terms like “pulling force” –
be specific about the type of force.
Keywords, phrases and learning objectives for non-contact forces
Be able to describe and explain examples of non-contact forces between
objects not touching each other e.g. gravity - gravitational field force, magnetism
- magnetic field forces, electrostatic forces - electrical force
field
WHAT NEXT?
TOP of page
INDEX for physics notes on FORCES
section 1
INDEX of all my physics notes on FORCES
INDEX of all my physics notes on FORCES
and MOTION
INDEX of all my PHYSICS NOTES
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INDEX of my physics notes on FORCES Section 1. An introduction
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