A force is an influence that causes an object to change its velocity or shape. In physics, it is described as a push or a pull resulting from the interaction between objects. Forces can cause an object to start moving, stop moving, change direction, or deform

. Key points about force:

• Force is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (size) and direction

• The SI unit of force is the newton (N), named after Isaac Newton

• Newton’s second law of motion defines force mathematically as F=maF=maF=ma, where FFF is force, mmm is mass, and aaa is acceleration

• Forces can be categorized as contact forces (e.g., friction, tension, normal force) where objects physically touch, or action-at-a-distance (non-contact) forces (e.g., gravity, electric, magnetic forces) where objects exert influence without direct contact

• Newton’s third law states that for every force exerted by one object on another, there is an equal and opposite reaction force

In summary, force is a fundamental concept in classical mechanics describing how objects interact and influence motion or shape changes through pushes or pulls with specific magnitude and direction. It is central to understanding motion and equilibrium in physics