Forces and Force Systems

Intuitively, a ‘‘force’’ is a ‘‘push or a pull.’’ The effect, or consequence, of a force thus depends upon (i) how ‘‘hard’’ or how large the push or pull is (the force ‘‘magnitude’’); (ii) the place or point of application of the push or pull; and (iii) the direction of the push or pull. The magnitude, point of application, and direction form the ‘‘characteristics’’ or defining aspects of a force. With these characteristics, force is conveniently represented by vectors.