To move an object, which one is easier, push or pull? Explain

Explanation

When a body is pushed at an arbitrary angle `theta (0 " to " pi/2)` the applied force F can be resolved into two components as F sin `theta` parallel to the surface and F cos `theta` perpendicular to the surface as shown in figure. The total downward force acting on the body is `mg +F cos theta` . It implies that the normal force acting on the body increases. Since there is no acceleration along the vertical direction the normal force N is equal to As a result the maximal static friction also increases and is equal to
`f_(s)^(max) = mu_r N_(push) = mu_s (mg + F cos theta )` .....(2)
Equation (2) shows that a greater force needs to be applied to push the object into motion.
When an object is pulled at an angle `theta` , the applied force is resolved into two components as shown in figure. The total downward force acting on the object is
`N_(pull) = mg - F cos theta` ....(3)

Equation (3)shows that the normal force is less than `N_(push) ` from equation (1) and (3), it is easier to pull an object than to push to make it move.