Push and Pull

• A push or a pull acting on an object is called a force.
• A force can make a still object start moving.
• A force can make a moving object stop or slow down.
• A force can change the direction of a moving object, like hitting a ball with a bat.
• A force can change the shape of an object, like pressing dough or squeezing a rubber ball.

Level 1 - Core idea

Verbal: Any push or pull acting on an object is called a force. A force can start motion, stop motion, speed it up, slow it down, change its direction, or change the shape of the object.

Symbolic: push (away from you) + pull (toward you) = force; force can change speed, direction, or shape

Visual: Watch a swing in a park: pushing it moves it away from you, and pulling the seat brings it toward you — both are forces.

Level 2 - Going deeper

Notice where you see this idea at home, at school, and in your neighbourhood — connecting the concept to daily life makes it easier to remember and use.

Level 3 - NCERT anchor

NCERT EVS Looking Around 4 — everyday activities like playing on swings, opening bags, and kicking balls show push and pull in daily life.

You open your school bag's zip by pulling the zipper toward you. Is this a push or a pull, and what does the force do?

Step 1 - The zipper handle moves toward you.
Step 2 - Moving toward you is called a pull.
Step 3 - This pull force makes the zipper slide and open the bag.
Answer: It is a pull, and the force opens the zip by moving it.

A batsman hits a moving cricket ball and it changes direction. What does this show about force?

Step 1 - The ball was moving in one direction before being hit.
Step 2 - The bat applies a force on the ball.
Step 3 - After the hit, the ball moves in a new direction.
Answer: A force can change the direction of a moving object.

• What do we call a push or a pull acting on an object?
• Name one activity where you use a pull.
• Give an example where force changes the shape of an object.
• How can a force change the direction of a rolling ball?
• Stretch: Why does a gently pushed toy car travel less distance than a strongly pushed one?

Revision tip: Act out one push and one pull with your own hands before you answer questions on force.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Push and Pull.