Understanding Forces

Forces are pushes or pulls that can change the motion of an object. When you kick a ball, drag a chair, or jump in the air, you are using force. Forces can make objects start moving, stop moving, change direction, or change shape.

Types of Forces

• Gravity pulls objects toward the Earth.
• Friction slows down moving objects when they rub together.
• Applied force is when you physically push or pull something.

Newton’s First Law

Objects at rest stay at rest, and objects in motion stay in motion unless acted upon by a force. This is often called the "law of inertia."

Everyday Examples

• Riding a bike: You push the pedals to move forward (applied force), and friction from the ground slows you down when you stop pedaling.
• Dropping a pencil: Gravity pulls it to the ground.

Why It Matters

Understanding forces helps us design safer cars, play sports better, and even build roller coasters!