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GCSE Physics · key term
An effect that objects have on one another, either through contact or at a distance.
Used by OCR
Specification P2.2a, P2.2b · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
Revise: InteractionsAn interaction occurs when objects affect one another. The effect is described by a force: a push or pull that can change an object's motion or deform it. For example, a table supports a book, Earth attracts a falling object and a magnet can pull an iron object towards it.
An effect involving two objects in which each object exerts a force on the other.
Classify an interaction by asking whether the objects must touch: gravity, electrostatics and magnetism are non-contact interactions; normal contact force and friction require contact.
In an example, name the interacting objects as well as the type of interaction, such as “friction between the tyre and the road”.
Remember the patterns: gravity is attractive; electrostatic and magnetic interactions can produce attraction or repulsion.
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