1. Change its motion: Forces can start an object moving, stop it from moving, or change its direction. Think of pushing a box across the floor or throwing a ball.

2. Change its shape: Forces can deform an object, making it stretch, compress, bend, or twist. Imagine squeezing a ball of playdough or bending a piece of metal.

3. Change its speed: Forces can make an object speed up (accelerate) or slow down (decelerate). For example, the force of gravity makes objects fall faster and faster, and the force of friction slows a moving car down.