How is force defined in physics?

Force in physics is defined as a push or pull acting upon an object. This definition encompasses a wide range of interactions that can change the state of motion of an object. When a force is applied, it can cause an object to start moving, stop moving, change direction, or change speed. Forces can arise from various sources, such as gravitational attraction, electromagnetic interactions, and applied mechanical efforts.

For example, when you push a shopping cart, you are applying a force that causes it to move. Similarly, when you pull on a rope, the tension created by your pull is also a force. Understanding this definition is crucial because it forms the foundation of many concepts in physics, such as Newton's laws of motion, which describe how forces interact with objects and how they affect motion.

The other options do not accurately describe force. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, resistance to motion refers to friction or inertia, and energy transfer pertains to the work done by forces but does not define force itself. Thus, the clear and precise definition of force as a push or pull is fundamental to analyzing physical interactions.