Which statement best describes force?

Force is best described as a push or a pull that acts on an object. This definition encapsulates the fundamental nature of force in physics, which is a vector quantity that can cause an object to accelerate, decelerate, or change direction. Force is responsible for the interaction between objects and can arise from various sources, such as gravitational, electromagnetic, and contact forces.

Understanding that force is associated with interactions helps to clarify why the other statements do not adequately describe force. For instance, measurement of temperature is not related to the fundamental definition of force, as it pertains to thermal energy rather than mechanical interaction. A permanent change in an object's state reflects the result of applying a force but does not define what force itself is. Lastly, while stored energy can influence the potential for force to act (as in the case of a compressed spring), it does not define force directly. Thus, option B accurately conveys the essential characteristics of what force is in the context of physics.