Force Push and Pull - Definition, Types, Push & Pull Examples

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:07 PM IST

Force is the core concept in understanding motion and its types. It can be broadly divided into push and pull forces. Push or pull force can affect the state of motion of an object. In this article, we will discuss what is force, what is push force, what is pull force, the difference between push and pull forces, types of force, and applications of push and pull forces.

Force Push and Pull - Definition, Types, Push & Pull Examples

What is Force?

Force definition: Force is an external effect in the form of a push or pull that

(i) Produces or tries to produce motion in a body at which it is at rest position.

(ii) Stops or tries to stop a body that is moving.

(iii) Changes the direction of motion of the moving body.

Since force has both direction and magnitude, it is a vector quantity. The unit of force is represented by Newton (N).

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What is Push Force?

When we apply an external force and due to that force the body tends to move in a forward direction from rest is known as a push.

Examples of Push Force

Some examples of push are

Pushing a box
Closing a door/window
Pushing a chair/table
Pushing a trolley

What is Pull Force?

When we apply an external force and due to that force the body tends to move in the opposite direction of the force applied from rest is known as pull.

Examples of pull force

Some of the examples of pull are

Opening a door/window
Climbing a rope
Pulling/dragging a box

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Types of Force

When we apply external force on a body, then two situations can be there, either the body will move or be at rest. This external force can be applied to the body by either touching the body or without touching the body. Based on these phenomena, we have two types of forces. These are as follows:-

1. Contact force

2. Non-contact force

Contact Force

As the name is contact force, we can define it as the force that is applied to a body by bringing it in contact with each other. It can further be categorized into three categories which are as follows:-

Frictional force:- When we apply an external force on a body, its motion is opposed by another force that acts in the opposite direction. This opposing force is known as frictional force.
Applied force:- When we apply an external force on a body and the body starts moving is known as the applied force.
Normal force:- Normal force is the constituent of a contact force. It is perpendicular to the surface of a body that comes in contact with it.

Non-Contact Force

As the name is non-contact force, we can define it as the force that is applied to a body without bringing it in contact with each other. Some of the examples of non-contact forces are as follows:-

1. Gravitational force:- It is the force exerted by the Earth to pull things towards itself. This force is attractive.

2. Magnetic force:- It is the force of attraction and repulsion exerted by a magnet on another magnet or a magnetic material.

3. Electrostatic force:- It can be defined as the force of attraction or repulsion between two charges of a material.

Apart from the above-mentioned categories, the force can be categorized in different forms. These can be

1. Weight: The weight of a body is the force of gravity or the gravitational force acting on the body.

2. Tension: -When the rope, string, or cable is stretched with force, the force developed by it is called tension. The direction of the pull of an object gives the direction of tension.

3. Spring force:- When an object is attached to the string, the force developed after the compression of the spring is called spring force.

Spring force is represented by:

$$
F=-K x
$$

where $x$ is the change in length and $K$ is the spring constant. (unit N/m).

4. Central force:- A central force is the force in which force is pointed along the line that joins the object and the origin.

Difference Between Push and Pull Forces

Push Force	Pull Force
A force is applied to move an object away from the source of force.	A force is applied to move an object closer to the source of force.
Acts away from the body applying the force.	Acts towards the body applying the force.
Can cause motion, stop motion, or change the direction of the object by pushing it away.	Can cause motion, stop motion, or change the direction of the object by pulling it closer.
Often used in activities requiring outward motion	Often used in activities requiring inward motion
Hands, feet, or a tool are typically pressed against the object.	Hands, rope, or a tool are typically grasped or held to apply the force.

Application of Push And Pull

Push Force

Machines using push force to mold materials
Vehicles use the engine's push force to move
A form of push force, thrust is used to launch a rocket

Pull Force

Cranes use pull force in the form of hooks and cables to load materials
The pulley system uses pull force to lift objects.
Pull force is used in archery to pull a bowstring to launch an arrow.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is push?

When we apply an external force and due to that force the body tends to move in forward direction from rest is known as push.

2. What is a Pull?

When we apply an external force and due to that force the body tends to move in the opposite direction of the force applied from rest is known as pull.

3. Give some push and pull examples.

Some of the examples of push are pushing a box, closing a door/window, pushing a chair / table, pushing a trolley etc.

Some of the examples of pull are opening a door / window, climbing a rope, pulling / dragging a box, etc.

4. Give pull opposite word and push opposite word.

The opposite word of pull is push and opposite word of push is pull.

5. Opening a door is an example of which force?

Opening a door is an example of pull force while closing a door is an example of push force.

6. What is Force?

Force is an external effect in the form of push or pulls.

7. Can a single object experience both push and pull forces simultaneously?

Yes, an object can experience both push and pull forces at the same time. For instance, when you open a door, you're pushing it away from you with your hand while simultaneously pulling it towards you with the doorknob. The net effect depends on which force is stronger.

8. How do push and pull forces affect an object's motion?

Push and pull forces can change an object's motion in several ways: they can start or stop movement, change the object's speed, or alter its direction. The effect depends on the strength and direction of the force, as well as the object's mass and any other forces acting on it.

9. How does friction relate to push and pull forces?

Friction is a force that opposes the motion of objects in contact. It affects both push and pull forces by resisting the movement. For instance, when you push a heavy box across a rough floor, friction makes it harder to move. Similarly, when you pull a sled, friction between the sled and the ground opposes the pulling force.

10. Can push or pull forces change an object's shape?

Yes, push and pull forces can change an object's shape if they're strong enough. This is called deformation. For example, pushing down on a spring compresses it, while pulling on a rubber band stretches it. Some deformations are temporary, while others can be permanent if the force exceeds the object's elastic limit.

11. How do push and pull forces relate to Newton's laws of motion?

Push and pull forces are central to Newton's laws of motion. The First Law states that an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion, unless acted upon by an external force (like a push or pull). The Second Law (F=ma) describes how the acceleration of an object is determined by the net force acting on it and its mass. The Third Law states that for every action (push or pull), there's an equal and opposite reaction.

12. What is the difference between a push and a pull force?

A push force moves an object away from the source of the force, while a pull force moves an object towards the source. Both are types of contact forces, but they act in opposite directions. For example, pushing a shopping cart is a push force, while pulling a rope is a pull force.

13. What's the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces in terms of push and pull?

Balanced forces occur when push and pull forces acting on an object are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, resulting in no change in the object's motion. Unbalanced forces occur when the push and pull forces are not equal, leading to a change in the object's motion. For example, in a tug-of-war where both teams pull with equal force, the rope doesn't move (balanced forces). If one team pulls harder, the rope moves in that direction (unbalanced forces).

14. Are push and pull forces always caused by direct contact?

While push and pull forces are often associated with direct contact, they can also occur without physical touch. For example, magnetic forces can push or pull objects without contact. Gravitational force is another example of a non-contact force that pulls objects towards each other.

15. How do push and pull forces relate to tension?

Tension is a pulling force transmitted through a string, rope, cable, or other similar objects. When you pull on a rope, you create tension in it. This tension force can then be used to pull other objects. For instance, when you pull a toy car tied to a string, the tension in the string pulls the car towards you.

16. Can push or pull forces exist without causing motion?

Yes, push or pull forces can exist without causing motion. This occurs when the applied force is balanced by other forces. For example, when you push against a heavy object that doesn't move, you're exerting a force, but it's balanced by friction and the object's weight. Similarly, when you hold a book in your hand, you're exerting an upward force to balance the downward force of gravity, preventing motion.

17. Can push or pull forces act at a distance?

While push and pull forces are often associated with contact forces, some forces can act at a distance. Gravitational force is a prime example - it pulls objects towards each other without physical contact. Electromagnetic forces can also push or pull objects without direct contact. For instance, magnets can attract (pull) or repel (push) each other from a distance.

18. What's the difference between static and dynamic push/pull forces?

Static push or pull forces are those that don't cause motion, often because they're balanced by other forces. For example, when you push against a wall, you're exerting a static force. Dynamic forces, on the other hand, cause or change motion. When you push a car to get it moving, you're applying a dynamic force. The transition from static to dynamic often involves overcoming static friction.

19. How do push and pull forces relate to centripetal and centrifugal forces?

Centripetal force is a center-seeking force that keeps an object moving in a circular path. It's always directed towards the center of the circle and can be a push or pull force. For example, the tension in a string (a pull force) provides the centripetal force for a swinging ball. Centrifugal force, on the other hand, is the apparent outward force felt by an object moving in a circular path. It's not a real force, but rather the result of inertia. When you're in a car turning a corner, the "push" you feel towards the outside of the turn is often mistakenly called centrifugal force.

20. How do push and pull forces relate to buoyancy?

Buoyancy is an upward force exerted by a fluid on an immersed object. It can be thought of as a push force from the fluid. This force opposes the weight (a pull force due to gravity) of the object. If the buoyant force is greater than the weight, the object floats; if it's less, the object sinks. The balance between these push and pull forces determines whether an object floats or sinks in a fluid.

21. How do push and pull forces relate to tension in ropes and cables?

Tension is a pulling force transmitted through a rope, cable, or similar object. When you pull on a rope, you create tension throughout its length. This tension force can then be used to pull other objects. The tension is uniform throughout an ideal rope (ignoring its weight) and acts equally in both directions. Understanding tension is crucial in many applications, from simple pulley systems to complex bridge designs.

22. How do push and pull forces relate to work in physics?

In physics, work is done when a force (like a push or pull) causes an object to move in the direction of the force. The amount of work is calculated by multiplying the force by the distance the object moves in the direction of the force. If you push a box across a room, you're doing work. If you push against a wall and it doesn't move, no work is done, despite the force being applied.

23. What role do push and pull forces play in simple machines?

Push and pull forces are fundamental to the operation of simple machines. These machines, like levers, pulleys, and inclined planes, are designed to change the direction or magnitude of forces to make work easier. For example, a lever allows a small push force to be converted into a larger push or pull force, while a pulley system can change the direction of a pull force to make lifting easier.

24. Can push or pull forces be measured? If so, how?

Yes, push and pull forces can be measured using devices called force meters or dynamometers. These instruments typically use a spring that stretches or compresses in proportion to the applied force. The amount of stretch or compression is then converted into a force measurement, usually displayed in newtons (N). Digital force meters are also available for more precise measurements.

25. How do push and pull forces relate to pressure?

Pressure is defined as force per unit area. When you push or pull on a surface, you're applying a force over an area, creating pressure. The smaller the area for a given force, the higher the pressure. This is why sharp objects (which have a small area of contact) can easily penetrate surfaces - they create high pressure with relatively little force.

26. What's the relationship between push/pull forces and energy transfer?

Push and pull forces can transfer energy between objects. When a force moves an object, it does work, which is a form of energy transfer. For example, when you push a car to start it moving, you're transferring some of your body's chemical energy into the car's kinetic energy. Similarly, when you pull back a bow string, you're storing potential energy that will be converted to kinetic energy when the arrow is released.

27. How do push and pull forces affect fluids differently than solids?

In fluids (liquids and gases), push and pull forces are distributed throughout the fluid, unlike in solids where they act at specific points. When you push on a fluid, the force is transmitted in all directions (Pascal's principle). This is why hydraulic systems can amplify forces. Pull forces in fluids can create areas of low pressure, leading to phenomena like suction.

28. How do animals use push and pull forces in locomotion?

Animals use a combination of push and pull forces for movement. For instance, when a horse runs, it pushes against the ground with its legs to move forward. Birds use their wings to push air downwards, which in turn pushes them upwards (lift). Fish use their tails to push water backwards, propelling themselves forward. Even in human walking, we use a combination of push forces (against the ground) and pull forces (using our muscles) to move our legs.

29. How do push and pull forces relate to elasticity?

Elasticity is a material's ability to return to its original shape after being deformed by a force. When you push or pull on an elastic object, it deforms. If the force doesn't exceed the object's elastic limit, it will return to its original shape when the force is removed. This property is described by Hooke's Law, which states that the force needed to extend or compress a spring is directly proportional to the distance of extension or compression.

30. How do push and pull forces relate to torque?

Torque is the rotational equivalent of linear force. It's created when a force is applied at a distance from an axis of rotation, causing or tending to cause rotation. For example, when you push or pull a door handle, you're creating torque around the door's hinges. The further from the hinge you apply the force, the greater the torque, which is why door handles are placed far from the hinges.

31. Can push or pull forces cancel each other out?

Yes, push and pull forces can cancel each other out if they're equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. This results in a net force of zero and no change in the object's motion (if it was at rest) or a constant velocity (if it was already moving). For example, in a tug-of-war where both teams pull with exactly the same force, the rope doesn't move because the forces cancel out.

32. How do push and pull forces relate to momentum?

Push and pull forces can change an object's momentum, which is the product of its mass and velocity. When you push or pull an object, you're applying a force that can change its velocity, thereby changing its momentum. The change in momentum is equal to the impulse, which is the product of the force and the time it's applied. This relationship is described by the impulse-momentum theorem.

33. What role do push and pull forces play in collisions?

In collisions, objects exert push and pull forces on each other, leading to changes in their momentum. These forces act over a very short time but can be quite large. In an elastic collision, the objects bounce off each other, with push forces dominating. In an inelastic collision, the objects may stick together, with a combination of push and pull forces at play. The total momentum is conserved in both cases, as described by the law of conservation of momentum.

34. How do push and pull forces affect objects on inclined planes?

On an inclined plane, gravity can be resolved into two components: one perpendicular to the plane (causing normal force) and one parallel to the plane (causing the object to slide down). To push an object up an inclined plane, you must overcome the parallel component of gravity and friction. When pulling an object up an inclined plane, the angle of the pull force can be optimized to reduce the required force. This principle is used in many simple machines and everyday situations, like ramps for loading trucks.

35. What's the relationship between push/pull forces and stress in materials?

When push or pull forces are applied to a material, they create internal forces called stress. Stress is defined as force per unit area within the material. Push forces typically create compressive stress, while pull forces create tensile stress. If the stress exceeds the material's strength, it can lead to deformation or failure. Understanding how materials respond to push and pull forces is crucial in engineering and construction.

36. Can push or pull forces change the state of matter?

While push and pull forces alone don't typically change the state of matter, they can indirectly contribute to state changes when combined with other factors. For example, increasing pressure (which is force per unit area) can cause some gases to liquefy. In some cases, extreme pressures can cause phase transitions in solids. However, temperature changes are usually more significant in causing state changes.

37. What's the difference between contact and non-contact push/pull forces?

Contact forces require physical touch between objects, like when you push a box or pull a rope. Non-contact forces act at a distance without physical contact. Gravity and electromagnetic forces are examples of non-contact forces that can push or pull objects. While we often think of push and pull in terms of contact forces, it's important to recognize that these actions can occur at a distance as well.

38. How do push and pull forces relate to air resistance and drag?

Air resistance and drag are forms of friction that oppose the motion of objects through fluids (like air or water). They can be thought of as push forces acting in the opposite direction of motion. As an object moves through a fluid, it pushes the fluid out of the way, and the fluid pushes back. This resistance increases with speed and is influenced by the object's shape and the fluid's properties. Understanding these forces is crucial in aerodynamics and hydrodynamics.

39. Can push or pull forces be amplified? If so, how?

Yes, push and pull forces can be amplified using simple machines or more complex mechanisms. Levers can amplify forces by trading distance for force. Hydraulic systems use Pascal's principle to amplify forces by distributing them over different areas. Pulleys can change the direction of forces and provide mechanical advantage. Gears can amplify torque (rotational force) by trading speed for force. These principles are widely used in machinery and everyday objects to make tasks easier or to achieve greater force output.

40. How do push and pull forces relate to spring potential energy?

When you push or pull on a spring, you're storing potential energy in it. This is called elastic potential energy. The force required to compress or extend a spring is directly proportional to the displacement from its equilibrium position (Hooke's Law). The energy stored is equal to the work done in compressing or extending the spring, which is the area under the force-displacement curve. When released, this potential energy can be converted back into kinetic energy, making springs useful in many applications, from clocks to vehicle suspensions.

41. What role do push and pull forces play in tidal phenomena?

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun on Earth's oceans. This gravitational force pulls the water towards the Moon, creating a bulge on the near side of Earth. Simultaneously, inertia (resistance to the pull) creates a similar bulge on the far side. As Earth rotates, these bulges move, causing the rise and fall of tides. This interplay of gravitational pull and inertial "push" demonstrates how forces acting at astronomical distances can have significant effects on Earth.

42. How do push and pull forces relate to normal force?

Normal force is the perpendicular push force that surfaces exert to prevent objects from passing through them. When you stand on the ground, it pushes up on you with a normal force equal to your weight. This force is a direct result of the electromagnetic repulsion between atoms. Understanding normal force is crucial for analyzing situations involving friction, as the maximum static friction force is proportional to the normal force.

43. Can push or pull forces affect time dilation?

While push and pull forces themselves don't directly cause time dilation, extreme gravitational forces (which can be thought of as a kind of pull) can affect the passage of time according to Einstein's theory of general relativity. Time passes more slowly in stronger gravitational fields. This effect, while negligible in everyday life, becomes significant near very massive objects like black holes. It's also relevant in precise timekeeping for GPS satellites, which must account for both gravitational time dilation and time dilation due to their high orbital speeds.

44. How do push and pull forces relate to the concept of work in physics?

In physics, work is done when a force causes an object to move in the direction of the force. The amount of work is calculated as the product of the force and the displacement in the direction of the force. Push and pull forces can both do work, but only when they cause movement. If you push against a wall and it doesn't move, no work is done despite the force being applied. Understanding