Differentiate between Contact and Non-Contact Forces

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 25th, 2023

Differences between contact and non-contact forces are listed below. As a characteristic of physical activity or movement, the force can be defined as a push or pull exerted on an item or energy. When two entities come into contact, this happens. Everything in this universe exerts a force on others in accordance with the universal law of gravity. The following parameter indicates the force exerted on an object:

Symbol of Force: F
SI unit of Force: newton(N) or kg.m/s2
Dimensional Formula: M1L1T-2
Type of quantity: Vector quantity
Other units: dyne, kilopond, pound-force, kip, poundal

The body with mass m would be resting on top of the body with mass M, for instance, if there were two bodies of mass M and m. These two bodies will exert forces on one another, according to physics. Thus, the force can be said to be a component of any interaction involving two or more bodies.

Table of content

1. Differentiate between Contact and Non-Contact Forces

Difference Between Contact and Non-Contact Forces

The differences between contact and non-contact forces are:

Contact force	Non-contact force
When two bodies physically touch, contact forces are created.	There is no physical contact between the two bodies, thus the attraction or repulsion between them causes non-contact forces to develop.
Contact force is not related to any field.	The non-contact force has a field connected to it at all times.
Frictional force, tension, and other types of force are contact force examples.	The gravitational force, electrostatic force, and other non-contact forces are examples.

Summary: