Which of the following best defines force?

The definition of force as a "push or pull acting upon an object resulting from its interaction with another object" captures the essence of what a force is in physics. It emphasizes the interactive nature of forces, highlighting that they arise when two objects interact. This definition is fundamental in mechanics, as it conforms to Newton's laws of motion, where forces are what cause changes in the state of motion of objects.

In this context, forces can come from various interactions, such as gravitational, electromagnetic, or contact forces. For instance, when you push a door, you exert a force on the door, and the door interacts with your hand, resulting in the door moving. This push or pull aspect is crucial, as it signifies that force is an interaction rather than a property of a single object.

The other definitions do not encapsulate the concept of force adequately. The measure of matter in an object pertains to mass and not force. The rate of change of velocity refers to acceleration, which is a consequence of force, not a description of it. Lastly, the resistance to acceleration refers to mass or inertia, but does not define what force itself is. Therefore, the definition provided in the correct answer effectively describes force within the framework of mechanics.