Forces Flashcards
Independent variable
The variable that changes
Dependent variable
The variable that is measured
Control variables
The variable that are kept the same
A force
A push or a pull
Newton
The unit we use for forces
Applied force
Pushing/pulling force
Gravitational force
The force pulling you down
Reaction force
The force pushing against weight and keep ing you balanced
Weight
The force pulling against reaction and also keeping you level
Hookes law
If the extension of the spring and the force on a graph make a straight line.
Elastic limit
When you stretch a band to much and it can’t stretch any more it has reached it’s elastic limit
Compress
When you squash something together. An example is compressed gas.
Friction
If an object is rubbed against another object it creates friction. Friction can also heat up things.
Deform
When a shape or something falls apart or changes from its original shape. A force can deform objects.
Streamlined
Something is streamlined if it goes straight. E.G i swim fast because i am streamlined
Newton meter
An object that measures the force of another object by putting it on a hook and letting it drop. Then you measure how far down it is with a ruler
Extension
How far something goes/stretches. E.g the extension of a spring is how far it stretches
Balanced forces
When two forces that pull against each other have the same amount of power. E.g in tug of war if the two teams pull with the same amount of force they are balanced.
Unbalanced forces
When two forces that are pulling against each other are not equal e.g if one tug of war team is stronger than the other they are pulling with different amounts of force. They are unbalanced
Contact forces
When forces (like friction) only act when you are touching them
Non-contact forces
The force acting without you having to touch it
Interaction pairs
Forces always come in pairs to work together or against each other e.g reaction force and weight.
Force diagram
A diagram to show how the force is moving e.g a man being blown away you would draw a bigger arrow going up and a smaller one going down to show which force is stronger.
Resultant force
The total force on an object
Air resistance
It acts in the air and slows down objects that are moving against it. E.g If you are running the air molecules are slowing you down as you have to push past them.
Tension
When something goes to its elastic limit and then pulls the object/person back up e.g bungee jumper.
Water resistance
It acts in water and slows down objects that are moving against it e.g a swimmer
3 effects of force
Forces can make objects: change shape, start moving or stop moving
Upthrust
Upthrust is a force that liquid or gas exerts on an object or body E.g someone floating in water
Thrust
Thrust is a force that pushes a mass in a certain direction e.g a plane
