Class 8 Science Chapter 5 Exploring Forces MCQs with Answers

Looking for Class 8 Chapter 5 Exploring Forces MCQs with Answers? You are in the right place. This page is specially created for CBSE Class 8 students who want to revise the chapter quickly and prepare confidently for school exams. Instead of reading long notes, you can practice important MCQs that cover the key concepts from the chapter in an easy and exam-friendly way.

Our Class 8 Science MCQs are based on the latest CBSE Board and NCERT syllabus. Each question comes with the correct answer and a short explanation to help you understand the concept instead of just memorising it. Whether you are preparing for a class test, periodic assessment, half-yearly exam, or annual exam, these Class 8 MCQs can help you check your preparation and improve your confidence.

Before you start solving the questions, make sure you understand the basic ideas of force, balanced and unbalanced forces, contact and non-contact forces, and how force affects the motion of objects. Once you are ready, begin practicing the MCQs and see how well you know the chapter.

Class 8 Science Chapter 5 Exploring Forces MCQs with Answers

Test your understanding of Class 8 Science Chapter 5 Exploring Forces with these important MCQs. These questions are based on the latest CBSE and NCERT syllabus and are designed to strengthen your concepts. Each question includes the correct answer and a short explanation to help you understand the reasoning.

Q. A student pushes a wooden box with a force of 30 N towards the east. Another student pushes the same box with 30 N towards the west at the same time. What will most likely happen to the box?

A. It will move towards the east.
B. It will move towards the west.
C. It will remain at rest if it was already stationary.
D. It will move in a circular path.

Answer: C

Explanation:
When two equal forces act in opposite directions, they balance each other. The net force becomes zero, so there is no change in the object's state of motion. If the box was at rest, it will continue to remain at rest because balanced forces cannot start motion.

Q. Which of the following situations is the best example of a non-contact force changing the motion of an object?

A. A person lifting a school bag.
B. A magnet attracting an iron pin from a short distance.
C. A child pushing a toy car.
D. A cyclist pressing the brake lever.

Answer: B

Explanation:
A magnetic force acts without direct physical contact between the magnet and the iron pin. This makes it a non-contact force. The pin starts moving because of the magnetic attraction, showing that non-contact forces can also change the motion of objects.

Q. A football rolling on a playground slowly comes to rest even though no one touches it. Which force is mainly responsible?

A. Electrostatic force
B. Magnetic force
C. Frictional force
D. Muscular force

Answer: C

Explanation:
As the football rolls, friction acts between the ball and the ground. This force always opposes motion and gradually reduces the ball's speed until it stops. Without friction, the ball would continue moving for a much longer distance.

Q. Which statement correctly describes balanced forces?

A. They always increase the speed of an object.
B. They always change the direction of motion.
C. They produce no change in the object's state of motion.
D. They only act on stationary objects.

Answer: C

Explanation:
Balanced forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. Since they cancel each other, the resultant force is zero. As a result, they do not change whether an object is at rest or moving with a constant speed.

Q. A magnet and Earth's gravity are similar because both are:

A. Contact forces that require touching.
B. Non-contact forces that act from a distance.
C. Forces that only act on metals.
D. Forces produced by muscles.

Answer: B

Explanation:
Both magnetic force and gravitational force can influence objects without direct contact. Gravity acts on all objects with mass, while magnetic force acts on magnetic materials. Their ability to work from a distance makes them examples of non-contact forces.

Q. Which action mainly shows that force can change the shape of an object?

A. Rolling a marble across the floor.
B. Stretching a rubber band.
C. Pulling a chair closer.
D. Throwing a ball into the air.

Answer: B

Explanation:
Stretching a rubber band changes its length and shape because of the applied force. This demonstrates one important effect of force. Not every force changes motion; sometimes it changes only the shape or size of an object.

Q. A student rubs a plastic scale with dry hair and brings it close to tiny paper pieces. The paper pieces move towards the scale because of:

A. Frictional force
B. Gravitational force
C. Electrostatic force
D. Muscular force

Answer: C

Explanation:
Rubbing the plastic scale creates electric charges on its surface. The charged scale attracts light paper pieces through electrostatic force. This experiment is commonly used to demonstrate that electric charges can produce a non-contact force.

Q. Which of the following is the best example of an unbalanced force?

A. A book resting on a table.
B. Two teams pulling a rope with equal strength.
C. A cyclist speeding up after pedalling harder.
D. A wall supporting a hanging picture.

Answer: C

Explanation:
When the cyclist pedals harder, the forward force becomes greater than the opposing forces such as friction. This creates an unbalanced force, causing the bicycle to accelerate. Unbalanced forces are responsible for changing the speed or direction of motion.

Q. Why do players wear shoes with rough soles while playing football?

A. To increase gravitational force.
B. To reduce muscular effort completely.
C. To increase friction with the ground.
D. To reduce magnetic attraction.

Answer: C

Explanation:
Rough soles create more friction between the shoes and the ground. This extra grip helps players run, turn, and stop safely without slipping. Friction is essential for better control during sports and many everyday activities.

Q. Which force acts continuously on a falling apple before it touches the ground?

A. Magnetic force only
B. Electrostatic force only
C. Gravitational force
D. Muscular force

Answer: C

Explanation:
Earth continuously pulls the apple downward through gravitational force. This force acts on every object that has mass, whether it is moving or at rest. It is the main reason objects fall towards the Earth's surface.

Q. Which statement about contact forces is correct?

A. They can act only on metallic objects.
B. They always require physical contact between objects.
C. They never oppose motion.
D. They work only in air.

Answer: B

Explanation:
Contact forces work only when two objects touch each other. Examples include frictional force and muscular force. Without physical contact, these forces cannot act. This feature clearly separates them from non-contact forces like gravity and magnetism.

Q. A moving bicycle slows down after the rider stops pedalling. Which pair of forces mainly causes this change?

A. Friction and air resistance
B. Magnetic force and gravity
C. Electrostatic force and muscular force
D. Gravity and electrostatic force

Answer: A

Explanation:
Once pedalling stops, friction between the tyres and the road, along with air resistance, opposes the bicycle's motion. These forces gradually reduce its speed until it comes to rest. This shows how opposing forces affect moving objects.

Q. A force changes the direction of a moving cricket ball without changing its shape. Which situation matches this effect?

A. Compressing a sponge.
B. A batsman hitting a fast-moving ball.
C. Stretching a spring.
D. Squeezing a rubber ball.

Answer: B

Explanation:
When the bat strikes the moving cricket ball, the applied force changes the ball's direction. This is a common example showing that force does not always change speed or shape; it can also change only the direction of motion.

Q. Which of the following observations proves that balanced forces are acting on an object?

A. The object starts moving suddenly.
B. The object changes direction.
C. The object remains at rest despite forces acting on it.
D. The object speeds up continuously.

Answer: C

Explanation:
If forces are acting but the object remains at rest, those forces must be balanced. Equal and opposite forces cancel each other, resulting in zero net force. Without a net force, there is no change in motion.

Q. A child pushes a toy car, and it moves faster on a smooth floor than on a rough floor. What is the main reason?

A. Gravity becomes weaker on a smooth floor.
B. Magnetic force increases on a smooth floor.
C. The smooth floor offers less friction.
D. Electrostatic force becomes stronger.

Answer: C

Explanation:
Smooth surfaces produce less friction than rough surfaces. Since less friction opposes the toy car's motion, it moves more easily and covers a greater distance. This simple observation shows how friction affects the movement of everyday objects.

Q. A student presses a spring gently and then presses it harder. What can be concluded from this observation?

A. A larger force causes a greater change in the spring's shape.
B. The spring becomes heavier when pressed harder.
C. The spring loses its elasticity immediately.
D. Gravity becomes stronger on the spring.

Answer: A

Explanation:
The amount of change in an object's shape often depends on the force applied. Pressing the spring harder produces greater compression because a larger force acts on it. This activity helps students understand that force can change the shape of elastic objects.

Q. Which of the following forces acts even when two objects are not touching each other?

A. Frictional force
B. Muscular force
C. Magnetic force
D. Force applied by a rope

Answer: C

Explanation:
Magnetic force works over a distance and does not require direct contact. A magnet can attract iron objects without touching them first. This makes it a classic example of a non-contact force, unlike friction or muscular force.

Q. A heavy cupboard does not move even when a person pushes it with a small force. The most likely reason is:

A. No force is being applied.
B. Friction balances the applied force.
C. Gravity has stopped acting.
D. Magnetic force is holding the cupboard.

Answer: B

Explanation:
The applied force is not strong enough to overcome the friction between the cupboard and the floor. As long as these forces remain balanced, the cupboard stays at rest. Increasing the push may create an unbalanced force and make it move.

Q. Which example best shows that force can change the speed of a moving object?

A. A goalkeeper stops a football.
B. A magnet attracts an iron nail.
C. A child stretches a rubber band.
D. A book remains on a table.

Answer: A

Explanation:
When the goalkeeper catches the football, an opposing force reduces its speed until it stops. This demonstrates one important effect of force, it can decrease or completely stop the motion of a moving object.

Q. Which statement about gravitational force is correct?

A. It acts only on objects made of iron.
B. It always pushes objects away from Earth.
C. It attracts every object having mass towards Earth.
D. It requires physical contact to act.

Answer: C

Explanation:
Gravity is a universal attractive force that acts on every object with mass. It keeps us on the ground and causes objects to fall towards Earth. Unlike contact forces, gravity works even without physical contact.

Q. Why does a person find it easier to push a trolley with wheels than to drag a heavy box?

A. Wheels increase gravitational force.
B. Wheels reduce the effect of friction.
C. Wheels increase muscular force automatically.
D. Wheels produce magnetic force.

Answer: B

Explanation:
Rolling friction is much smaller than sliding friction. The wheels allow the trolley to roll instead of slide, reducing the opposing force. As a result, less effort is needed to move the trolley compared to dragging a heavy box.

Q. A charged balloon sticks to a wall for a short time after being rubbed with wool. Which force is mainly responsible?

A. Muscular force
B. Frictional force
C. Electrostatic force
D. Gravitational force

Answer: C

Explanation:
Rubbing the balloon creates electric charges on its surface. These charges attract the wall through electrostatic force, allowing the balloon to stick temporarily. This simple experiment demonstrates a non-contact force in everyday life.

Q. Which of the following situations involves both contact and non-contact forces acting together?

A. A book lying on a table.
B. A cyclist riding on a road.
C. A magnet attracting an iron pin in space.
D. A balloon attracting paper bits.

Answer: B

Explanation:
While riding a bicycle, gravity pulls the cyclist downward, and friction acts between the tyres and the road. Gravity is a non-contact force, whereas friction is a contact force. Many real-life situations involve multiple forces acting at the same time.

Q. Which property is common to all forces?

A. Every force changes colour.
B. Every force is either a push or a pull.
C. Every force acts only on moving objects.
D. Every force requires electricity.

Answer: B

Explanation:
No matter what type of force it is, every force can be understood as a push or a pull. Different forces may act in different ways, but they all influence the motion or shape of objects through pushing or pulling.

Q. A child throws a ball upward. Which force slows the ball down as it moves upward?

A. Magnetic force
B. Electrostatic force
C. Gravitational force
D. Muscular force

Answer: C

Explanation:
Once the ball leaves the child's hand, gravity continuously pulls it downward. This opposite force reduces the ball's upward speed until it stops momentarily before falling back to the ground.

Q. Which observation clearly indicates that an unbalanced force is acting?

A. A moving object continues with the same speed in the same direction.
B. A stationary object begins to move.
C. A book remains at rest on a desk.
D. Equal forces act from opposite directions.

Answer: B

Explanation:
An object at rest starts moving only when a net force acts on it. This happens because the applied forces are unbalanced. A change in the state of motion is always a sign that balanced forces are no longer present.

Q. Which of the following would have the least friction while moving?

A. A rubber tyre on a rough road.
B. A wooden block sliding on sand.
C. An ice skate moving over smooth ice.
D. A shoe walking on concrete.

Answer: C

Explanation:
Ice provides a very smooth surface with much less friction than sand or rough roads. This is why ice skaters can glide easily over the surface with comparatively little effort.

Q. A toy car moves faster after a stronger push is applied. This shows that force can:

A. Increase the speed of an object.
B. Reduce the mass of an object.
C. Remove the effect of gravity.
D. Change the colour of an object.

Answer: A

Explanation:
A stronger push produces a greater unbalanced force, causing the toy car to accelerate. This demonstrates that force can increase the speed of a moving object when it acts in the direction of motion.

Q. Which pair contains only non-contact forces?

A. Magnetic force and gravitational force
B. Muscular force and frictional force
C. Frictional force and gravitational force
D. Muscular force and electrostatic force

Answer: A

Explanation:
Both magnetic and gravitational forces can act without physical contact. They influence objects from a distance, unlike muscular or frictional forces, which require direct contact between objects.

Q. During a tug of war, one team suddenly pulls harder than the other. What will happen?

A. The rope will remain stationary.
B. The rope will move towards the stronger team.
C. Both teams will automatically stop pulling.
D. Gravity will become weaker.

Answer: B

Explanation:
When one team applies a greater force, the forces become unbalanced. The resultant force acts towards the stronger team, causing the rope to move in that direction. This is a practical example of unbalanced forces changing motion.

Clear Concepts of Class 8 Chapter 5 Exploring Forces

Understanding the main ideas of the chapter makes solving MCQs much easier. Here is a quick revision of the important concepts from Exploring Forces.

What is Force?

A force is a push or a pull acting on an object. We use force in many daily activities, such as opening a door, kicking a football, lifting a school bag, or pulling a drawer.

A force can:

• Move a stationary object
• Stop a moving object
• Change the speed of an object
• Change the direction of motion
• Change the shape of an object

In simple words, whenever an object starts moving, stops moving, changes direction, or changes shape, a force is involved.

Types of Forces

Forces are mainly divided into two groups.

Contact Forces

A contact force works only when two objects touch each other.

Examples include:

• Muscular force
• Frictional force

For example, when you push a chair or ride a bicycle, contact force is acting.

Non-contact Forces

A non-contact force acts without physical contact between objects.

Examples include:

• Gravitational force
• Magnetic force
• Electrostatic force

For example, a magnet attracts iron pins without touching them first.

Balanced Forces

Balanced forces are equal in size and act in opposite directions.

These forces do not change the motion of an object.

Example:
Two students pull a rope with equal force from opposite sides. The rope does not move.

Unbalanced Forces

Unbalanced forces are not equal.

They can:

• Start motion
• Stop motion
• Increase speed
• Decrease speed
• Change direction

Example:
If one student pulls the rope with greater force than the other, the rope moves towards the stronger side.

Contact and Non-contact Forces

It is important to know the difference because many MCQs are based on this topic.

Remember this simple trick:

Touch = Contact Force

No Touch = Non-contact Force

Effects of Force

A force can produce different effects depending on the situation.

Some common effects are:

• Moving an object
• Stopping an object
• Changing speed
• Changing direction
• Changing shape

Example:

• Kicking a football changes its speed.
• Pressing a sponge changes its shape.
• Applying brakes slows down a bicycle.

Force in Everyday Life

You experience different types of forces every day without even noticing them.

Some examples are:

• Walking because friction provides grip.
• Dropping a pen because gravity pulls it towards Earth.
• Opening a bottle cap using muscular force.
• Using magnets in science experiments.
• Combing dry hair, where electrostatic force can attract small bits of paper.

These daily-life examples make it easier to understand how forces work around us.

Quick Tips to Remember

• Force means a push or a pull.
• Force can change the motion or shape of an object.
• Contact forces need physical touch.
• Non-contact forces act from a distance.
• Balanced forces do not change motion.
• Unbalanced forces change motion.
• Gravity always pulls objects towards the Earth.
• Friction helps us walk safely and control moving objects.

Chapter Revision Checklist

Before your exam, check whether you can confidently answer these questions.

• I know what a force is.
• I can explain the difference between a push and a pull.
• I understand how force affects the motion of an object.
• I can identify contact and non-contact forces.
• I know examples of muscular, frictional, gravitational, magnetic, and electrostatic forces.
• I can explain the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces.
• I understand how balanced forces affect an object.
• I know how unbalanced forces change speed or direction.
• I can recognise real-life examples of different types of forces.
• I feel confident solving Class 8 Science Chapter 5 Exploring Forces MCQs with Answers.

If you can confidently tick all these points, you are well prepared to solve the MCQs and perform better in your school examination.