What is the term used to describe pushes or pulls between objects?

The term that describes pushes or pulls between objects is force. In physics, force is defined as an interaction that causes an object to change its velocity or direction. It can be the result of contact interactions, such as friction or tension, or at a distance, as in gravitational or electromagnetic forces. This concept is fundamental in understanding how objects interact with one another and is a core principle in mechanics.

Energy refers to the capacity to do work but does not specifically indicate the interaction between objects. Friction is a specific type of force that opposes the motion of objects sliding against each other, while work is defined as the process of energy transfer when a force is applied over a distance. Thus, while these other terms relate to physical interactions, they do not encompass the broad definition of pushes and pulls that the term "force" provides.