Definition:Point of Action

Definition
Let a force $\mathbf F$ act on a deformable body $B$.

In order to completely specify how $\mathbf F$ acts on $B$, it is necessary to know the point $P$ on $B$ at which $\mathbf F$ is applied.


 * Point-of-action.png

The point $P$ is known as the point of action of $\mathbf F$ on $B$.

Also defined as
Some sources do not distinguish between a point of action, to apply to a deformable body, from a line of action, which is to be used for a rigid body, but instead use point of action for both.

Also known as
A point of action is also known as a point of application.