NCERT Class 8 Science Science: Chapter 8 — Force and Pressure
This chapter, 'Force – A Push or a Pull,' from NCERT Class 8 Science, introduces the fundamental concept of force. It explains that force is an action that can cause a change in the state of motion of an object, such as making it move faster, slower, or change its direction. The chapter uses everyday examples like kicking a football, a goalkeeper stopping a ball, or a hockey player flicking a ball to illustrate these actions. It categorizes these actions as either a push or a pull, or sometimes both. The text also touches upon magnetic forces, questioning whether attraction and repulsion are forms of pull or push. This foundational understanding of force is crucial for comprehending subsequent physics concepts in the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Science |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — Force and Pressure |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 588 |
Learning outcomes
- Define force as a push or a pull.
- Identify actions that involve pushing or pulling objects.
- Understand how force can change the motion of an object.
- Relate everyday actions to the concept of force.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Force | A push or a pull on an object. |
| Motion | The process of moving. |
| Push | To exert force on something to move it away from oneself. |
| Pull | To exert force on something to move it towards oneself. |
| Direction of motion | The path along which an object is moving. |
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Practice questions
- What is a force in simple terms? Answer: A force is a push or a pull on an object.
- Give two examples of actions that involve a push. Answer: Pushing a door open, kicking a football.
- Give two examples of actions that involve a pull. Answer: Pulling a drawer open, drawing a bucket of water from a well.
- What can a force do to an object? Answer: A force can make an object move faster, slow down, or change its direction of motion.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main concept introduced in NCERT Class 8 Science Chapter 8?
Chapter 8 introduces the concept of force as a push or a pull that can change an object's motion.
Can you give an example of a force being a push?
Kicking a football or pushing a door open are examples of forces being a push.
Can you give an example of a force being a pull?
Drawing a bucket of water from a well or opening a drawer are examples of forces being a pull.
What are the possible effects of a force on an object?
A force can make an object move faster, slow down, or change its direction of motion.
How does this chapter relate to previous learning?
It builds upon Class VII's learning about how objects move and introduces the cause of motion changes: force.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Science — Science — Chapter 8 — Force and Pressure. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.