Force: Push or Pull Definition (with Examples)

Force: Push or Pull – A push or pull force is a force exerted on an object due to the object’s or body’s interaction with another thing. A push or pull only exists as a result of an interaction, such as when a body, object, or material is pushed or pulled and is referred to as a force. A force generated by action causes motion in an object.

A push or a pull force has a direction. Hence it is a vector quantity; if the magnitude or direction changes, it directly impacts either type of force. Read on to find complete details on pull and push force.

What is Force?

A force is described as the deployment of a push or pull on an object with mass to affect an object’s motion when unopposed. It can shift an object from its resting state, i.e. modify its velocity (to accelerate) or change its direction of movement. It is an interaction that causes or affects an object’s motion. A force has both magnitude and direction when it is applied. As a result, it is a vector quantity.
It is indicated by the symbol F and its S.I. unit is Newton (N) (N). Other units of force include dyne, kgwt, and so on.

• Get Complete Details on Force Here

What is Push Force?

Push is defined as the force that causes an object to move from its resting position. The object in push force drives away from the source of the force. In simpler terms, the object is pushed away from the surface of applied force.

The time it takes to move an object is determined by the reaction force exerted by the object or body. Not only do we employ push forces, but many machines also use them to mould materials to their desired shapes.

Examples of Push Force

Assume you are told to push a trolley when you go to shopping malls down the stairs and onto the floor. You must exert effort for this, and the energy you exert through your feet on the thing you are pushing is referred to as the push force. This force is easier to apply.

Some other examples of pushing force are:

• Pushing the cart to move it from one location to another.
• Moving a bed from one location to another in a room.
• Pushing the door to open it.
• Pressing the switch to make it on.
• Pushing the dough to form little rolls for tortilla making.

What is Pull Force?

Compared to the push, the pull can be characterised or depicted as the force that causes an item to move from rest in the opposite direction. The object in a pull force moves toward the source of the force. In simpler words, the object is moved away from the surface of applied force. The time it takes to move an object is determined by the response force exerted by the object or body.

Examples of Pull Force

Pulling back the curtains to allow us to open the windows: Curtains and blinds would not have been as easy to use if the push or pull force had not been present. The pull force is the amount of force necessary to drag a curtain or move a blind over a window.

Some other examples of pulling force are:

• A spring balance determines the weight of an object by measuring its pulling force.
• Dragging the box to our desired position.
• To get access, open the door.
• Pulling on the kite yarn to get it to fly higher.
• Pulling a string to lengthen it.
• In the tug of war, two teams exert pulling forces on one other. Either team that exerts the greatest pull force on the rope with the greatest force wins.

Types of Forces

A force can be delivered to an object in two ways: by making a connection with it or by avoiding coming into contact with it. Basically, there are two types of forces based on this:

1. Contact forces
2. Non-contact forces

Contact Force

A contact force is one that requires contact to apply force to an object. As contact is made in each scenario, kicking a ball and closing a door are all examples of contact forces. It is further divided into three types of forces – frictional force, applied force, and normal force.

1. Frictional Force

A lightly kicked ball rolls over the floor. At that point, a force applies in the opposite direction of the moving ball, finally stopping it. The frictional force is the name given to this type of force. In general, it resists the motion of an object when its surface comes into contact with the surface of another object.

2. Applied Force

When a person or object exerts a force on another object, which causes the object to move, it referred to as applied force.

3. Normal Force

When an object rests on a surface, the surface generates an upward force to counteract the force exerted by the object’s weight. The normal force applied by the surface is known as the upward force.

Non-contact Force

A non-contact force is one that is applied without making any contact. It is further divided into three types of forces. They are gravitational force, electrostatic force and magnetic force.

1. Gravitational Force

Gravitational force is the attraction between any two objects with mass. It is a natural occurrence.

2. Electrostatic Force

The electrostatic force describes the attracting or repulsive forces that exist between two charged microscopic particles. It can be found in particles at rest or stationary charged particles. It is also known as Coulomb’s force. It is the force that occurs between electrically charged particles or things that are at rest.

3. Magnetic Force

A magnetic force is defined as the force between two poles of a magnet and between electrically charged moving particles. It can both be attractive and repulsive.

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