Motion Flashcards
Force
Forces explain why an object moves the way it does, why things stretch, twist, tear, snap, bend, break, speed up, slow down and change shape. Pushes and pulls are types of force.
Contact forces
Two objects have to be in contact for these forces to occur.
Non-contact forces
Forces where objects do not have to be in contact for the forces to occur.
Interaction pair
Pairs of forces that occur together.
Newton meter
A device used to measure forces. Also known as a spring balance.
Distance
The length of the space between one point and another.
Speed
The distance travelled per unit of time.
Time
A measurable period in which events or an event occurs.
Scalar
A physical quantity that has magnitude only. For example, time.
Vector
A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction.
Displacement
Distance in a given direction. For example, 50 m north east. It is also the shortest distance between two points.
Velocity
Speed in a given direction. For example, 100 km/h south. Velocity of an object can be calculated by dividing the displacement of an object by the time taken to undergo that displacement.
Distance-time graph
Shows the distance something travels over the time taken to travel that distance. It is normally drawn by plotting the distance travelled on the y-axis and the time taken for the journey on the x-axis.
Acceleration
When speed changes over time.
Balanced (forces)
When an object does not move because competing forces cancel each other out, we say the forces are balanced.
