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Physics Basic Vocabulary

Terms in this set (22)

Friction
The force that resists the motion of objects: The force that opposes the sliding motion of two touching surfaces: the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another.
Force
a push or a pull
Speed
The distance an object travels per unit of time : ex) miles/hour
Acceleration
the rate of change of velocity: it occurs when an object changes speed, its direction or both. Ex) a car speeds up or slows down or slows to make a LEFT turn
Velocity
a variable that tells you both speed and direction: A variable that tells you both speed and direction.
Ex) a car traveling WEST at 30 mph
Inertia
the property of an object that resists change in motion: ex) the penny on sandpaper
Unbalanced force
result in a net force on an object that can cause changes in motion:
When the forces on an object are pushing harder in one direction than in another, causing movement
Balanced Force
result in a zero net force in an object- no motion:
do not cause a change in motion; equal in size and opposite in direction; cancel each other out
Net force
The combination of all forces acting on an object: measured in Newtons
Average Speed
Total distance divided by total time
Constant Speed
Speed that does not change/ vary
Work
An activity involving mental or physical effort
Motion
An object's change in position relative to a different point:
A change in position over time
Distance
How far an object has traveled
Displacement
The distance and direction of (speed): an objects change in position from the starting point
Instantaneous Speed
Speed at any given time: ex) driving a car and looking at speedometer
The cause of Friction
Caused by microscopic bumps on surfaces called microwelds
Static Friction
frictional force that prevents two surfaces from sliding past each other : Friction that acts between objects that are not moving
ex) pushing a fridge across the floor
Sliding Friction
Frictional force where two surfaces slide past each other
Ex) sledding down a hill
Rolling Friction
Frictional force between a rolling force and the surface it rolls on. Ex) a skateboard moving on the ground
Fluid Friction
Frictional force when an object moves through fluid like water or a gas ex) skydiving or swimming
Air resistance
Frictional like force that opposes motion like objects that move through the air
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