Final answer:
A contact force acts through physical contact with an object, while a noncontact force acts without physical contact. Examples of contact forces include pushing and catching, while examples of noncontact forces include gravity and magnetism.
Step-by-step explanation:
A contact force is a force that acts directly on an object through physical contact. Examples of contact forces include pushing a book across a table, kicking a soccer ball, or catching a ball. On the other hand, a noncontact force is a force that acts on an object without any physical contact. Examples of noncontact forces include gravity, magnetism, and static electricity.
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