AQA · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 8463 · Version from Sept 2016
Examples of non-contact forces are gravitational force, electrostatic…
Full specification wording
Contact and non-contact forces: Examples of non-contact forces are gravitational force, electrostatic force and magnetic force.
Non-contact forces act between objects that are physically separated, through a field that surrounds each object.
Checked against the AQA 8463 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 5
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Non-contact forces act between objects that are physically separated, through a field that surrounds each object. Gravitational force acts between any two masses, is always attractive, and points towards the centre of the other mass; it is what holds a satellite in orbit and gives every object its weight. Electrostatic force acts between charged objects, attracting unlike charges and repelling like charges, which is why two negatively charged rods push each other apart. Magnetic force acts between magnetic poles and between a magnet and a magnetic material, with unlike poles attracting and like poles repelling. In each case the force gets weaker as the separation increases.
What earns the marks
- Naming gravitational, electrostatic or magnetic force.
- The objects not being in contact, the force acting through a field.
- A correct direction, such as the gravitational force on a satellite acting towards the centre of the Earth.
- Like charges or like poles repelling while unlike ones attract.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Naming friction, air resistance or upthrust as non-contact forces.
Claiming a magnet must touch an iron object before it exerts a force.
Writing that gravity pushes objects down rather than pulling them towards the centre of the Earth.
Assuming electrostatic forces are only attractive.
Saying the force disappears entirely at a distance rather than becoming weaker.
Exam tips
- If a question about charged rods asks for a reason, say they carry the same charge; the mark for the reason usually depends on the first answer being right.
- Name the specific non-contact force, not just 'a field force'.
- Give the direction towards the centre of the Earth for gravitational forces on diagrams of orbits.
Try the lesson
The start of the Contact and non-contact forces: Examples of non-contact forces are gravitational force, electrostatic force and magnetic force. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of these is a non-contact force?
Listen
Non-contact forces act between objects that are physically separated, through a field that surrounds each object. Gravitational force acts between any two masses, is always attractive, and points towards the centre of the other mass; it is what holds a satellite in orbit and gives every object its weight. Electrostatic force acts between charged objects, attracting unlike charges and repelling like charges, which is why two negatively charged rods push each other apart. Magnetic force acts between magnetic poles and between a magnet and a magnetic material, with unlike poles attracting and like poles repelling. In each case the force gets weaker as the separation increases. A strong answer earns marks for these points. naming gravitational, electrostatic or magnetic force. the objects not being in contact, the force acting through a field. a correct direction, such as the gravitational force on a satellite acting towards the centre of the Earth. like charges or like poles repelling while unlike ones attract. Exam tip: If a question about charged rods asks for a reason, say they carry the same charge; the mark for the reason usually depends on the first answer being right.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
gravitational force
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electrostatic force
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magnetic force
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attraction and repulsion
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See every definition
- gravitational force
- Acts between any two masses, is always attractive, and points towards the centre of the other mass.
- electrostatic force
- Acts between charged objects, attracting unlike charges and repelling like charges.
- magnetic force
- Acts between magnetic poles and between a magnet and a magnetic material, with unlike poles attracting and like poles repelling.
- attraction and repulsion
- Unlike charges and unlike poles attract, while like charges and like poles repel.
Label the diagram
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1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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