Difference Between Push and Pull Force with Real-Life Examples
Force is a fundamental concept in Physics that describes the interaction that can cause the motion of an object to change. In daily life and Physics problems, we often encounter force as either a push or a pull acting on objects. When a force is applied to an object with mass, it can move it from its resting position, change its velocity (speed or direction), or even alter its shape or size. Force is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (size) and direction. The standard unit for measuring force is the Newton (N).
Understanding Push and Pull Forces
A push is defined as a force that moves an object away from the person or thing applying the force. For example, when you kick a football, close a door, or push a trolley, you are applying a push force. This causes the object to move further from you. Pull, on the other hand, is a force that brings an object closer to the one applying the force. Examples include opening a door, drawing water from a well, or pulling a curtain.
Both pushing and pulling require an application of effort, but the direction of the force distinguishes one from the other. This simple idea forms the basis for understanding many real-world motions and Physics problems.
Classification of Forces
Forces can be broadly classified based on how they act on objects. The two major types are contact forces and non-contact forces. Contact forces require direct physical contact between objects, while non-contact forces can act at a distance without any physical connection.
| Type of Force | Contact/Non-Contact | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Frictional Force | Contact | Ball rolling on floor stops due to friction |
| Applied Force | Contact | Pushing a trolley |
| Normal Force | Contact | Table supports a book |
| Gravitational Force | Non-Contact | Apple falling from tree |
| Magnetic Force | Non-Contact | Magnet attracts iron pin |
Effects of Force
Applying a force can have several effects on objects. It can:
- Start movement in a stationary object
- Stop or slow down a moving object
- Change the speed or direction of motion
- Change the shape or size of an object
For example, squeezing a sponge changes its shape, while pushing a football makes it move.
| Push Force Examples | Pull Force Examples |
|---|---|
| Kicking a football | Pulling a bucket from well |
| Closing a door | Opening a drawer |
| Pushing a shopping trolley | Plucking guitar strings |
| Pressing a switch | Pulling open a curtain |
Key Physics Formulas for Forces
| Formula Name | Formula | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Force (Newton’s Law) | F = m × a | Calculates force with mass and acceleration |
| Weight | w = m × g | Weight of an object (g = 9.8 m/s²) |
| Friction | F = μN | Frictional force, where μ = coefficient of friction, N = normal force |
Step-by-Step Approach to Solving Force Problems
- Identify which force(s) are acting (push, pull, gravity, friction, etc.).
- Determine the type: Is it contact or non-contact?
- Write down appropriate formula(s): For most mechanics problems, use F = m × a.
- Substitute the known values (mass, acceleration, etc.).
- Calculate and state the direction of the force if required.
For example, if a box with mass 10 kg accelerates at 3 m/s², the force is F = 10 × 3 = 30 N.
| Parameter | Push Force | Pull Force |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Away from source | Towards source |
| Action | Moves object further | Brings object closer |
| Example | Pushing a box | Pulling a rope |
Application and Deeper Learning
To master force, push, and pull concepts, practice with solved examples and worksheet problems. Explore more about Exploring Forces and strengthen your understanding of Contact and Non-Contact Forces.
Use interactive resources on Force and Motion and related physics concepts for revision. Practicing numericals and real-life problem scenarios will enhance your confidence in dealing with Physics questions in board or entrance exams.
For revision on related subtopics like friction, gravity, and Newton’s laws, access:
Continue exploring Vedantu Physics resources for practice questions and topic-wise guidance as you build deeper problem-solving skills in Mechanics and beyond.
FAQs on Force, Push, and Pull: Concepts, Examples, and Formulas
1. What is a force in Physics, and how are 'push' and 'pull' related to it?
In Physics, a force is an interaction that can change the motion or shape of an object. Every force is either a push (moving an object away from you) or a pull (bringing an object closer). A force can make something start moving, stop, slow down, speed up, or change shape. Because both its magnitude (strength) and direction matter, force is a vector quantity with SI unit Newton (N).
2. What are some common examples of push and pull forces in daily life?
We use push and pull forces in everyday activities:
Push examples:
• Kicking a football
• Closing a door
• Pushing a trolley
Pull examples:
• Opening a drawer
• Pulling a bucket from a well
• Plucking guitar strings
3. Why is force considered a vector quantity?
Force is a vector quantity because both the amount (magnitude) and the direction in which it acts are important.
• The result of a force changes depending on its direction.
• Specifying only its magnitude (e.g., 5 Newton) is not enough; the direction must also be mentioned.
• This is why force is always represented as a vector in physics problems.
4. What are the main effects a force can have on an object?
A force can produce several effects on an object:
• Start or stop its motion
• Change its speed (increase or decrease)
• Change the direction of movement
• Alter its shape or size (e.g., squeezing a sponge)
5. What is the difference between contact and non-contact forces?
Contact forces require objects to touch each other (e.g., pushing a book, friction).
Non-contact forces act over a distance without touching (e.g., gravity, magnetism, electrostatic force).
6. Can an object be at rest if forces are acting on it? Explain with an example.
Yes, an object can stay at rest if the forces on it are balanced. For example:
• A book resting on a table experiences downward gravitational force and upward normal force from the table.
• These two forces are equal and opposite, so the net force is zero and the book remains stationary.
7. What are the different types of contact and non-contact forces mentioned in the CBSE syllabus?
Contact forces:
• Muscular force
• Frictional force
• Applied force
• Normal force
Non-contact forces:
• Gravitational force
• Magnetic force
• Electrostatic force
8. How does the concept of force explain why a ball rolling on the ground eventually stops?
A rolling ball stops because of friction, a type of contact force. The ground applies friction against the moving ball in the direction opposite to movement, causing it to slow down and finally stop.
9. What is the formula for calculating force, and what do its symbols represent?
The most basic formula for force is:
F = m × a
Where:
• F is Force (in Newtons, N)
• m is mass (in kilograms, kg)
• a is acceleration (in m/s²)
10. Give five real-life examples of push and pull forces. Identify which is push or pull.
Here are five examples:
• Opening a door – Pull
• Closing a drawer – Push
• Pushing a swing – Push
• Pulling a trolley – Pull
• Kicking a football – Push
11. What are some ways to identify if a given scenario involves a push or a pull force?
You can identify the force type by:
• If the object moves away from the source, it is a push.
• If the object moves towards the source, it is a pull.
• Examples: Pushing a cart is a push; drawing water from a well is a pull.
12. Why is pushing sometimes easier than pulling heavy objects on rough surfaces?
Pushing is often easier than pulling on rough surfaces because when you push, your body weight helps increase downward force, giving better grip and control, while pulling may cause the object to drag against uneven resistance.
