Examples of force in everyday life: uses, applications, machines and tools

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Force is a fundamental pillar of physics, an omnipresent manifestation that shapes and directs the reality of our daily lives. From the moment we open our eyes and move out of bed, to the moment we turn off the light and rest, our interaction with the world is defined by forces of all kinds: visible and invisible, large and tiny, simple and complex. Although these forces often go unnoticed, their influence is essential to the daily life.

This comprehensive tour breaks down to the most minute detail how force operates in the everyday environment, incorporating practical examples and clear explanations that integrate both classical knowledge and the most current and educational approaches. Not only the most obvious forces are addressed, but also those that act through simple and complex machines, household utensils, means of transportation, and even the most ordinary gestures. In addition, it includes inspiring educational content based on quality educational resources that help understand how physics becomes a tool, a game, and a daily challenge.

What is force?

In physics, the force It is conceived as a interaction between bodies or particles capable of modifying the state of motion of an object or generating a deformation in it. This interaction can be translated into starting, stopping, accelerating, decelerating, or changing the direction of an object. Furthermore, forces manifest themselves as action-reaction pairs, according to the famous Newton's third law: to every force exerted on a body, it responds with a force of equal magnitude and opposite direction.

La unit of measurement of force in the International System is the Newton (N)By definition, one Newton is the force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram at a rate of one meter per square second:

1 N = 1 kg m/s²

However, force is not only perceived in dynamic situations. Its effect is often keep objects in balance, support structures or even alter the shape of a material (deformation).

Types of forces and their role in real life

In our universe, interactions between objects are governed by different types of forces, each with a specific scope and effects. Below is a breakdown of the main types of force present in daily life:

• Force of gravity: La gravity It is the force of attraction between masses. On Earth, it is responsible for keeping us glued to the ground and for all objects falling toward it when released. It is responsible for falling bodies, the movement of the planets, and the physical stability of our environment.
• friction force (or friction): Friction opposes the relative sliding of two surfaces in contact. Without it, walking would be impossible because there wouldn't be enough grip, but it also causes wear and tear on mechanisms and makes certain movements difficult.
• electromagnetic force: It acts between charged particles and is responsible for electricity and magnetism. and many of the physical properties of materials (such as hardness). It's the reason magnets attract or repel and why any everyday electrical appliance works.
• Nuclear forces (strong and weak): They keep protons and neutrons bound together in the atomic nucleus. They are fundamental to the structure of matter, although less evident in everyday life, their impact is transcendental for the existence of atoms.
• Elastic forces: They occur in materials capable of recovering their original shape after being deformed (such as a spring or elastic band).
• Tension forces: They are generated when a rope, cable, or thread is stretched. They are responsible for the integrity of suspension bridges, clotheslines, and many everyday devices.
• Buoyancy and thrust forces: They act on bodies in fluids, such as the buoyancy experienced by a boat in water or the buoyancy that allows balloons to float in the air. Buoyancy is key to our ability to swim or to keep objects from sinking. viscosity in everyday life It also influences the resistance of fluids.
• Compressive and tensile strength: Compression pushes an object inward (like squeezing a sponge) and traction pulls it inward (like pulling a jump rope).
• Normal strength: It is the force exerted by a surface on an object that is in contact with it, perpendicular to the support (like the force that holds you up when sitting in a chair).
• Torque or moment of force: It relates to rotation, for example, when using a screwdriver or opening a door. It depends on the force and distance from the pivot point.

Analysis of simple machines and forces in everyday utensils

A less addressed but essential aspect in understanding force in daily life is the simple machines y household toolsMany objects we use regularly (from a spoon to a bicycle or screwdriver) function as simple machines that multiply or direct forces. These mechanisms allow us to perform tasks with less effort and greater efficiency, taking advantage of physical principles such as the lever, the inclined plane or the pulley.

Effects of force: motion, rest and deformation

Applying a force to an object can produce essentially three main effects:

• Change the motion state of an object: accelerate it, slow it down, or make it change direction.
• Produce rest: to cause a moving object to stop.
• Deform an object: temporarily or permanently alter its shape.

The magnitude of the effect depends on both the force applied and the physical characteristics of the object being acted upon (mass, stiffness, texture, etc.) and the inercia of the object.

20 detailed examples of strength in everyday life

1. Lifting objects
   When you lift a shopping bag, box, or backpack, you apply a muscular force that overcomes gravity. At first, you must overcome gravity. inercia, since every body tends to resist changes in its state of motion.
2. Walk and run
   
   You propel your body forward by applying force with your feet on the ground. The friction between your shoes and the ground prevents slipping. Running involves greater forces, which means greater energy expenditure and speed.
3. Opening and closing doors
   When you push or pull a door, you act on a rotating lever (the hinges are the fulcrum). Applying force away from the hinges requires less effort, thanks to the lever principle.
4. Writing with a pencil
   The force exerted determines the quality of the stroke and the ease of writing. Fine control prevents breaking the tip or damaging the paper.
5. Squeeze a sponge
   A compressive force is applied, causing water to escape, overcoming surface tension. Once the pressure is released, the elasticity will return to its shape.
6. Chewing and swallowing food
   The jaw muscles generate great forces; after grinding food, the tongue and throat muscles apply coordinated forces to swallow.
7. Using a stapler
   A lever is used to multiply the applied force and pierce the paper with the staple.
8. Raise a cup
   The force we apply depends on the weight and its distribution. An ergonomic handle helps balance the force needed to hold and lift.
9. Skip
   
   A jump involves muscular strength, accumulated elastic energy and the reaction of the ground.
10. Pushing a shopping cart
    It requires applying force to overcome the inertia and friction of the wheels, which are less effective on smooth floors or with well-maintained carts.
11. Throw a ball
    The arm acts as a lever. The trajectory is determined by the applied force, the angle, and air resistance.
12. Tug-of-war (tug-of-war)
    It involves a direct competition between opposing forces. The team that generates the greatest net force wins.
13. Sweep the floor
    It is an example of frictional force exerted on particles, modified by the angle and pressure applied to the handle.
14. Squeeze a tube of toothpaste
    A compressive force is applied, and the efficiency of extracting the contents depends on the internal pressure and viscosity of the paste. For maximum tube performance, squeeze it from the end toward the nozzle.
15. sit on a chair
    The weight of the body generates a force on the chair (gravity), which responds with a normal force in the opposite direction. Friction helps maintain stability.
16. Climbing stairs
    
    It involves overcoming gravity and transforming muscular effort into gravitational potential energy.
17. Swim
    Movements propel the body by pushing water backward; buoyancy and resistance determine efficiency.
18. Play a musical instrument
    Fingers, arms, or even the air exert specific forces that originate vibrations (sound) from strings, membranes, tubes, etc.
19. Use a screwdriver
    Transforms a force into a torsion which allows you to turn and insert or remove screws.
20. Open a jar
    
    It requires torque to overcome thread friction and sometimes internal pressure due to sealing.

Additional examples: utensils, simple machines, and everyday movements

• Loading a mass onto a wheelbarrow: The use of a wheelbarrow (a simple lever-type machine with a wheel and axle) minimizes the force required to transport weight.
• Driving vehicles: Allows you to check how motor and friction forces interact to move and brake cars, bicycles or motorcycles.
• Using the knife (wedge):When you cut food with a knife, the force exerted on the handle is concentrated on the edge, separating the materials.
• Pulleys and clotheslines: Hanging clothes or lifting loads with a pulley demonstrates the transformation and facilitation of applied force.
• Inclined plane (ramps or cardboard): Allows you to lift heavy objects with less effort, distributing the force over a greater distance.
• Can opener (lathe): A clear example of how turning a shaft (thanks to a force on the crank) makes it easier to open cans, multiplying the effect of the applied force.
• Using scissorsScissors are a double lever. By pressing on the handles, the force is transmitted and multiplied to the blades, cutting the material.
• Pushing or pulling loadsMoving furniture or dragging a box involves both muscle strength and the use of techniques (such as using rollers) to reduce friction and make the movement easier.
• sports practiceEach discipline is an applied demonstration of force: in soccer, the striking of the ball; in cycling, the use of gears and wheels; in athletics, the conversion of force into speed or jumping.

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Simple machines: how force is converted into useful work

Learning and daily life are enriched by recognizing that many household instruments and artifacts are, in and of themselves, simple machines: example of strength in everyday life such as the lever, the inclined plane or the pulley.

• The lever: Tools such as spatulas, door openers, or playground seesaws multiply or redirect forces to make work easier.
• The inclined plane: Ramps for lifting furniture or trolleys allow you to distribute the work over a greater distance, reducing the instant effort.
• The cradleKnives, axes, and chisels concentrate force on the cutting edge to cut or separate materials.
• The wheel and axleWheelbarrows, bicycles, door handles, and can openers all benefit from reduced friction to facilitate movement.
• The screwFrom screw-top jars to furniture assembly tools, they expand linear forces into rotational forces.
• pulley: Used on clotheslines, lifting systems in garages, or for lifting loads on construction sites, they allow the direction to be changed and the applied force to be distributed.

Educational activities and games about force

An effective way to learn about forces is through hands-on activities and observation games. For example:

• Ezekiel Asks game: It consists of guessing simple machines based on clues, promoting the identification of mechanisms that work thanks to force (levers, pulleys, screws, wedges, etc.).
• Differentiate between machines and tools: Observe images or your home environment to discover that not only motorized devices are machines. Scissors, ramps, clotheslines, doorknobs, and can openers are also machines, as they transform or facilitate human labor through basic physical principles.
• Analysis of points of application of force: Identify in each tool or machine where the force is applied, how it is transmitted and what effect it produces (opening, cutting, lifting, tightening, etc.).
• experiment with materials: Compare how the amount of force needed varies when cutting bread versus wood, or when pushing an empty cart versus a loaded one.

Frequently asked questions about examples of force in daily life

What is the difference between mass and weight?

Mass It is the amount of matter in an object, constant regardless of its location. Weight It is the force with which gravity acts on that mass, and varies according to the gravitational field.

What is friction and how does it affect movement?

La friction It is a force that opposes the relative displacement of two surfaces. It is vital for walking without slipping and also for the operation of tools and mechanisms, although it also causes wear.

How does muscle strength allow us to perform physical activities?

When our muscles contract, they generate force Transmitted to bones and joints, enabling lifting, pushing, jumping, running, and many other physical activities. Training and biomechanics determine the amount of force available and the efficiency of its application.

How do forces interact when we swim?

Swimming involves applying propulsive force to move forward and overcome the resistance of the water (friction and drag). The body floats due to the buoyancy of the water, which makes movement easier if a hydrodynamic position is maintained.

What is torque and how does it relate to force?

El torsion, or moment of force, measures the effectiveness of a force in generating rotation about an axis. It is calculated as the product of the force and the distance from the axis.

How can understanding forces help us in our daily lives?

Understanding forces allows you to optimize physical exertion, correctly use tools and machines, prevent injuries, and promote efficient solutions in everyday life, from sports to household chores.

Transcendental applications and didactic value of force

La force Not only does it serve to explain the environment, but it is also the basis for creating technologies, machines, and solutions that simplify human life. Understanding it is essential for those who design, repair, or improve tools and systems, from engineering to applied science. Furthermore, the process of identifying, experimenting with, and manipulating forces from childhood helps develop analytical thinking and creativity.

Inspired by historical figures such as Hypatia of Alexandria, who overcame obstacles in pursuit of knowledge, reaffirms the message: working with perseverance and effort allows us to harness our strength to achieve great goals. Furthermore, recognizing the power in everyday objects and machines is the first step toward understanding and transforming the world, not only in theory but also through practice and daily innovation.

The physics of force transforms everyday life into learning, ingenuity, and development. By observing, analyzing, and experimenting with forces in the simplest tasks and in the operation of tools and simple and complex machines, we strengthen our understanding of how our environment works and how we can interact with it efficiently and safely. Sharing this knowledge expands the boundaries of what's possible in daily and professional life, fostering a culture of effort, curiosity, and perseverance.