Key Concepts in Physical Science Flashcards
Kilogram (kg)
The basic metric (SI) unit of mass.
Gram (g)
A unit of mass smaller than a kilogram. One kg equals 1,000 g.
Atom
The smallest particle of matter that retains the chemical and physical properties of its element.
Element
A pure substance that cannot be broken down into other elements.
System
A small group of related things that work together.
Energy
A quantity that measures the ability to cause change or do work in the physical system. Energy is measured in joules.
Force
A push, pull, or any action which has the ability to change motion. Force is measured in newtons.
newton
the unit of force in the metric (SI) system.
joule
the unit of energy in the metric (SI) system. One joule is enough energy to push with a force of one newton for a distance of one meter
temperature
a measurement of
hot or cold that depends on the
thermal energy in a material
thermometer
an instrument
used to measure temperature.
Fahrenheit scale
temperature
scale in which water freezes at 32
degrees and boils at 212 degrees
Celsius scale
temperature
scale in which water freezes at 0
degrees and boils at 100 degrees.
absolute zero
- the lowest
temperature there can be, equal to
-273.3°C or -460°F.
thermal energy
energy that is
due to difference in temperature.
Thermal energy comes from
kinetic energy of individual atoms.
