Physics 1301A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Net Force, Atomic Nucleus, Varicose Veins

• School: Western University
• Department: Physics
• Course: Physics 1301A/B
• Professor: Martin Zinke- Allmang

Document Summary

Force: defined by the interaction between separate objects. Mainly characterized by its two quantitative properties: magnitude and direction. Categorized as either contact forces or contact-free forces. 4 fundamental forces: gravity, electromagnetics, strong nuclear force, weak nuclear force. Contact-free forces; don"t require any direct contact between objects, also called field forces. Forces dealt with daily are non-fundamental except for gravity; also called convenience forces. Contact forces such as tension, normal, or muscle forces. Contact forces act only when physical contact between the objects is established. Laws of mechanics (kinematics & dynamics) allow for the understanding of the anatomical design and physiological function of muscles as a source of forces, and the skeleton as the frame on which these forces act. Organisms have a range of receptors called mechano-receptors that detect external forces directly or by measuring the resulting acceleration. Necessary conditions of the widely-accepted definition of life: Recognition of external stimuli, combined with the ability to respond.