What is defined as a push or a pull?

The concept of a push or a pull can be explained through the definition of force. In physics, force is an interaction that can change the motion of an object, and it is quantified as a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. When a force is applied to an object, it may cause the object to move, stop, change direction, or accelerate.

For instance, when you push a door to open it, you are applying a force in the direction of the door's motion. Similarly, pulling a backpack towards you involves applying force in the opposite direction. Therefore, the term "force" appropriately encapsulates these simple yet fundamental physical interactions that embody pushes and pulls.

In contrast, other options like torque relate specifically to rotational force, energy refers to the capacity to do work without describing the action itself, and acceleration describes the change in velocity due to a force but does not inherently convey the push or pull aspect. Thus, force is the most fitting definition for a push or a pull.