A force is a push or a pull that makes something move.

You can use force to change the direction of a moving object. When you push a ball, you change its location. The ball moves. Your push can also change the direction it is moving in.

A moving object will travel in a straight line if it is not touched. If someone or something pushes the object, its direction can be changed.

Kinds of Forces Wind or moving air is a force. Wind can push the sails of a sailboat to make the boat move. It can also push a kite.

Moving water also pushes things. If you have ever stood in the ocean you’ve felt the push and pull of the waves.

Gravity is the force that pulls things toward the center of the earth. A sled moves down a hill because of gravity. Gravity keeps us on the ground.

Magnetism is a force. A magnet attracts iron objects. It can be used to move objects without touching them.

Friction is another type of force. Friction makes moving things slow down. Whenever two things rub against each other, the bumps on those things rub against each other. A smooth surface has less friction than a bumpy one.

Friction and gravity work together to make things thrown in the air return to earth. Even air has friction!

Forces get things moving!