Which of the following best defines a force in a scientific context?

The amount of energy an object possesses.

A push or a pull that can change an object's motion.

The speed at which an object is traveling.

The property of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.

Which of the following scenarios is an example of a force requiring physical contact?

The Earth pulling a falling apple downward.

Two magnets repelling each other without touching.

A person pushing a shopping cart to make it move.

A balloon sticking to a wall due to static electricity.

Only magnetism can cause an object to slow down.

Magnetism is a pull, while friction is always a push.

Friction is a contact force, while magnetism is a non-contact force.

Magnetism can only act on certain metals, while friction can act on any object at all.

Changing the object's direction.

The force is too weak to be measured up close.

The force can influence an object without direct physical touch.

The force only works over very long distances, like between planets.

The force is the result of a chain reaction of objects touching each other.