成人快手

Some things need help to make them move. We can help them using pushes and pulls. These are both forces.

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Watch and learn

Watch what happens when we apply push and pull forces to different objects.

What happens when we push and pull?

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Push and pull forces

We can't see forces, but we can see the effects they have on objects.

Forces can make objects:

  • move
  • change speed to be faster or slower
  • change direction
  • change shape
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Push or pull?

Have a look at these objects below. Do you think you would push or pull them?

Would you push or pull this wheelbarrow?

A woman with a garden wheelbarrow
Image caption,
Would you push or pull a wheelbarrow?

Would you push or pull this dog's toy?

A woman and a dog play tug of war with a rope toy
Image caption,
Would you push or pull this dog toy?

Would you push or pull this swing?

A girl on a swing with a boy standing behind her.
Image caption,
Would you push or pull a swing?

Would you push or pull this sledge?

A child with a sledge.
Image caption,
Would you push or pull a sledge?

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Activity

Try this activity at home or in class to find out more about push forces.

Challenge

Experiment with pushing different objects.

You will need a range of things to push such as:

  • Marbles
  • A plastic ball
  • Modelling clay
  • A soft toy

Which objects move further?Why do you think this is?

Watch the video to find out more.

Watch this video to find out what to do!

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Quiz

Feeling confident about push and pull forces? Test yourself in our quiz!

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More on Forces, electricity and waves

Find out more by working through a topic