A physical force is a magnitude that can affect the movement and shape of bodies.
Before entering fully into the definition of the term physical force , we are going to proceed to know the etymological origin of the two words that give it shape:
-Strength, first of all, derives from Latin, exactly from “fortia” which, in turn, emanates from “forctis”, which can be translated as “strong”.
-Physics, secondly, is a word that also derives from Latin, specifically from “physica”. This term, in turn, comes from the Greek “physikos”, which is synonymous with “relating to nature”.
What is physical strength
For physics , a force is the cause that allows the state of movement or rest of a body to be altered , or that makes its deformation possible. The concept can refer to the ability to move something, exert resistance or support a weight.
Physical force , therefore, is a magnitude that has the ability to influence the shape and movement of material elements . It can be said that forces generate an effect on bodies that have a certain mass.
Physical strength usually consists of the application of muscular force to overcome the resistance exerted by the weight of an object.
Some examples
When a man lifts a box full of books from the floor and places it on a table, he is exerting physical force. Specifically, what it does is apply muscular force to overcome the resistance of the box caused by its weight.
By developing tension with his muscles, the individual applies the necessary muscular force to alter the resting state of the box: he lifts it and moves it to another location.
Physical force also appears when a soccer player kicks a ball (a ball). Every time a player makes a certain movement with his leg and hits the ball with his foot, he applies a physical force that causes the object to move at high speed .
Physical strength in the Bible and comics
Throughout history there have been numerous characters, real or fictional, who have become known and distinguished themselves precisely because of their physical strength. This would be the case, for example, of Samson, who is presented in the Bible as one of the last ancient Israelite judges. Specifically, in that work it is said that the strength he had led him to face and defeat a lion simply using his hands.
Likewise, it is said that he was able to tear down a temple with his physical strength and that he defeated an entire army using the jaw of a donkey as his only weapon.
Another character that is well known for this same characteristic is the Hulk, a fictional figure, specifically from the world of comics, created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in the 1960s. A green appearance and a really muscular body is the one that identifies that one, as well as his great physical strength.
A vector quantity
It is important to note that physical force, as it is a vector quantity, is composed of a value (a number linked to a unit of measurement), a direction (the line of action: horizontal, vertical, etc.) and a sense ( orientation: backwards, forwards, up, down).
These variables, therefore, determine the characteristics of a physical force.