NCERT Class 8 Science Curiosity: Chapter 5 — Exploring Forces
This chapter, "Exploring Forces," from NCERT's Class 8 Science Curiosity textbook, introduces the fundamental concept of force. It begins with relatable questions about everyday experiences like cycling uphill, slipping on wet surfaces, and the sensation of floating after reaching the peak of a swing. Through a narrative of two girls, Sonali and Ragini, cycling, the chapter illustrates various scenarios where forces are at play – wind pushing against them, the effort needed to pedal on different terrains, changing direction, and the acceleration downhill. The chapter defines force as a push or pull applied to an object, emphasizing its role in changing an object's state of motion or rest. Activity 5.1 encourages students to physically interact with a cardboard box, pushing, pulling, and lifting it to understand these actions as forces. This foundational understanding of forces is crucial for comprehending many physical phenomena studied in science.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Curiosity |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — Exploring Forces |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 207 |
Learning outcomes
- Define force as a push or pull.
- Identify everyday situations involving forces.
- Understand the role of force in changing an object's motion.
- Relate pedaling effort to forces acting on a bicycle.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Force | A push or pull applied on an object. |
| Push | An action of applying force away from oneself. |
| Pull | An action of applying force towards oneself. |
The complete chapter text is read in the official NCERT PDF viewer below (streamed from ncert.nic.in). This page provides NCERT Help study material — summary, vocabulary, practice questions, and FAQs — not a full reproduction of the textbook.
Read chapter online
This PDF is loaded from the official NCERT website (ncert.nic.in). Use the page buttons below to read — download is disabled on NCERT Help.
Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.
Practice questions
- What is force in science? Answer: Force is the push or pull applied on an object.
- Give two examples of applying force. Answer: Pushing a box and pulling a rope are examples of applying force.
- Why do we need to pedal harder when going uphill? Answer: We need to pedal harder uphill to overcome the force of gravity and friction acting against our motion.
Frequently asked questions
What is the definition of force in science?
In science, a force is defined as a push or a pull applied on an object.
What are the two basic actions that constitute a force?
The two basic actions that constitute a force are pushing and pulling.
Can you give an example of a pull force?
Lifting a box or opening a door by pulling its handle are examples of pull forces.
Why is it harder to pedal a bicycle uphill?
It feels harder to pedal uphill because you need to apply more force to overcome gravity and other resistive forces.
What happens when you press the pedals of a bicycle?
When you press the pedals, you apply a force that makes the bicycle move.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Science — Curiosity — Chapter 5 — Exploring Forces. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.