In basic science and physics, a push or pull that can change the state of motion or the shape of an object is called ______.

Introduction / Context:

The concept of force is central to all of mechanics. From very early stages in school, students are introduced to force as a push or pull that can cause changes in the motion or shape of objects. This question checks whether you remember that standard definition and can identify the correct term among several everyday verbs that describe actions but are not the precise scientific term used in physics.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are using the basic school level definition of force.
• A push or pull can change the speed, direction or shape of an object.
• Options include some common actions (pick, lift, shut) and scientific terms (force, pressure).
• We must choose the standard physics term that matches the given description.

Concept / Approach:

In physics, force is defined as any interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object. It can cause a stationary object to start moving, a moving object to stop or change direction, or it can deform an object by changing its shape. At a very basic level, this is often simplified in textbooks as a push or pull on an object. While words like pick, lift and shut involve forces, they are specific types of actions rather than the general scientific term. Pressure, on the other hand, is defined as force per unit area, so it is derived from force but is not the same as force itself.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Look at Newton second law, which relates force, mass and acceleration. The law is formulated around force, not around verbs like pick or lift. Similarly, basic equations and diagrams in mechanics always use the symbol F for force when drawing free body diagrams or calculating motion. This confirms that force is the correct scientific term for any push or pull that can change motion or shape.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A (pick): To pick something up, you apply a force with your hand, but the word pick refers to the action, not the physical quantity.

Option B (lift): Lifting an object also involves applying an upward force against gravity, but again lift is an action, not the quantity itself.

Option D (shut): Shutting a door involves applying a force to move it, but shut is simply another everyday verb.

Option E (pressure): Pressure is defined as force per unit area. It is a related but distinct concept that requires force and area for its definition.

Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes mix up basic terms like force, pressure and work because all three appear in early physics chapters. To keep them straight, remember: force is a push or pull; pressure is force divided by area; work is force multiplied by displacement in the direction of the force. For this question, the definition given matches exactly the simple definition of force and no other term.

Final Answer:

A push or pull of an object in science is called a force.