Physics Vocabulary Flashcards
Physics
The branch of science that studies how energy effects matter
Average Speed
Distance traveled divided by the time it takes to travel that distance
Formula: Distance/time
Units: Distance measured is meters/time measured in seconds
Instantaneous Speed
The speed an object is traveling at one instant in time
Velocity
The speed and direction an object is traveling
Acceleration
-Change in velocity
-(final speed - initial speed)/time
-Units: m/s2; time measured in seconds
Inertia
Ability of an object to resist a change in its motion
Force
-A push or pull of an object
-Unit: Newtons(N)
Net Force
The sum of all the forces acting on an object
Balanced Force
The effect of all forces acting in an object cancel each other out, and the net force is 0
Unbalanced Force
Two forces act on an object and one is stronger than the other. The object moves in the direction of the stronger force.
Friction
Force that resists motion between two surfaces that are in contact. Always act opposite to the direction of motion.
Newton’s Laws
A set of laws explaining the motion of an object
Motion
When an object changes its position over time compared to the reference point
Newton’s First Law
An object will continue moving at a constant speed and in the same direction unless an unbalanced force acts on the object
More mass the more….
Inertia
