Push and Pull
Forces Around Us: Push and Pull
Push and Pull
Push and Pull
What you'll learn
- A push or a pull that moves or stops an object is called a force.
- Kicking a ball is an example of a push.
- Pulling a rope in tug-of-war is an example of a pull.
- A stronger push or pull moves an object more easily than a weak one.
- Opening a drawer is a pull; closing it is usually a push.
Key concepts
Level 1 — Core idea
Verbal: Any push or pull acting on an object is called a force — forces can start, stop, speed up, slow down, or change the direction of motion.
Symbolic: push (→ away from you) + pull (← toward you) = force
Visual: Watch a swing: pushing it moves it away; pulling the seat back toward you is a pull.
Level 2 — Going deeper
Think about where you see this idea in daily life at home and school — noticing it around you makes the concept easier to remember.
NCERT anchor
NCERT Looking Around 3 activities on toys and games (spinning tops, swings) introduce push and pull as forces.
Worked example
You open a school bag's zip by pulling it. Is this a push or a pull?
Step 1 — The zip handle moves toward you
Step 2 — Moving toward you is a **pull**
Answer: **Pull**
A football rolls after you kick it. What force acted on it?
Step 1 — Your foot moves away from you into the ball
Step 2 — Moving away from you is a **push**
Answer: **Push** — kicking is a push
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Force only means pushing | Confusing push with all force | Force = push or pull, both are forces |
| Objects move without any force | Not noticing the cause of motion | Every change in motion needs a push or pull |
| Pulling always means using a rope | Only thinking of one example | Pulling drawers, doors, and toys are pulls too |
| Only strong people can apply force | Mixing up force with strength | Even a small push, like flicking a marble, is a force |
Quick check
- What do we call a push or a pull on an object?
- Is kicking a ball a push or a pull?
- Give one example of a pull you do every day.
- Stretch: Why does a heavier box need a stronger push to move it?
Revision tip: Act out one push and one pull with your hands before answering questions on forces.
Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Push and Pull.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- What you'll learn
- Key concepts
- Worked example
- Common mistakes
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