Force is a fundamental concept in physics that represents the push or pull exerted on an object as a result of its interaction with another object. It is typically described using the laws of motion formulated by Sir Isaac Newton, which state that a force is necessary to accelerate an object, and that the acceleration produced is directly proportional to the force applied. Forces can be classified as contact forces, such as friction or tension, or as field forces, such as gravity or electromagnetic forces. The study of forces is essential for understanding the behavior of objects in motion and is a central topic in many branches of physics, including mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics.