Contact Force
What Contact Force means in Physics GCSE, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Contact Force
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Contact Force in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
A force that acts on an object by direct contact with it (e.g., friction, air resistance, normal reaction, tension).
Topics that use Contact Force
- Newton's laws (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- balanced forces
- changing direction
- Circular motion
- constant velocity
- Directly Proportional
- Distance along the line of action of the force
- energy transfer
- Energy transfer between stores
Using Contact Force in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge