Which is easier, pushing or pulling?

Question

It is generally assumed, from a person's perspective, that pushing a cart is more easier than pulling one. But why? Is there any difference in terms of force required to achieve the same amount of displacement? Or is it merely human perception? Why is it that almost all automobiles transfer torque to the back axle. But then, why do trains have engines in the front?

Answer 1

In Newtonian physics, there is no difference between pushing and pulling. Force is force....it has the same effect on an object, no matter how it gets there.