Physics MidTerm Vocab Study Guide 2023

Question 1

model

Answer 1

a pattern, plan, representation, or description designed to show the structure or workings of an object

Question 2

system

Answer 2

a set of particles or interacting components considered to be a distinct physical entity for the purpose of study

Question 3

hypothesis

Answer 3

an explanation that is based on prior scientific research or observations

Question 4

controlled experiment

Answer 4

an experiment that tests only one factor at a time

Question 5

accuracy

Answer 5

how close a measurement is to the correct quantity

Question 6

precision

Answer 6

measure of exactness

Question 7

significant figures

Answer 7

digits known to be certain

Question 8

frame of reference

Answer 8

a system for specifying the precise location of objects in space and time

Question 9

displacement

Answer 9

the change in position of an object

Question 10

average velocity

Answer 10

the total displacement divided by the time interval during which the displacement occurred

Question 11

instantaneous velocity

Answer 11

the velocity of an object at some instant or at a specific point in the object’s path

Question 12

acceleration

Answer 12

the rate at which velocity changes over time

Question 13

free fall

Answer 13

the motion of a body when only gravity is acting on it

Question 14

scalar

Answer 14

a physical quantity that has magnitude but no direction

Question 15

vector

Answer 15

a physical quantity that has magnitude and direction

Question 16

resultant

Answer 16

a vector that represents the sum of two or more vectors

Question 17

components of a vector

Answer 17

the projections of a vector along the axes of a coordinate system

Question 18

projectile motion

Answer 18

the motion an object exhibits when it is thrown or launched

Question 19

force

Answer 19

an action exerted on an object that may change the objects that may change the object’s state of rest or motion

Question 20

inertia

Answer 20

the tendency of an object to resist change in motion

Question 21

net force

Answer 21

the sum of forces acting on an object

Question 22

equilibrium

Answer 22

the state in which the net force is zero

Question 23

weight

Answer 23

the gravitational force exerted on an object

Question 24

normal force

Answer 24

the force acting on an object in a direction perpendicular to the surface the object is on

Question 25

static friction

Answer 25

force between two objects in contact and at rest

Question 26

kinetic friction

Answer 26

force between two objects in contact and in morion

Question 27

coefficient of friction

Answer 27

ratio of magnitude of the force of friction between two objects in contact to the magnitude of the normal force