Force is a push or pull that causes changes to an object's movement, shape, or direction. It can cause changes in movement by pushing or pulling an object, changes in shape by stretching or squeezing, and changes in direction by applying force to change the object's path. Common types of force include friction, gravity, and magnetism. Friction is the force between surfaces in contact. Gravity is the force that attracts objects toward each other. Magnetism is the force that magnets exert to attract iron and steel objects.