Forces and Motion Unit Vocabulary

Newton’s 1 st law Law states: An object at rest stays at rest. An object in motion stays in motion unless an unbalanced force is upon the object.

Newton’s 2nd law Law states: Describes the acceleration of an object in the direction of the net force applied to same object. Force = mass x acceleration F = ma

Newton’s 3rd law Law states: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Speed The rate of motion, or the rate which a body changes position. (Rate can be measured in km or miles per hour)

Velocity The speed and direction of a moving body.

Acceleration The rate of change in velocity (change in direction or speed). Depends on velocity change and time interval.

Force A push or pull one body exerts on another body. Unbalanced forces always change the motion of the body. Net force= the sum of all opposing forces.

Unbalanced Forces Always changes the motion of the body when there is movement.

Frictional Forces The force that opposes motion between 2 surfaces that are touching each other.

Opposing Forces A push or pull which works against the other push or pull, the stronger opposing force will gain velocity.

Balanced Forces Equal opposing pushes and pulls that result in no velocity change.

Inertia The tendency of an object to resist any change in its motion. If at rest will stay at rest, in motion will tend to keep moving at the same speed and direction.

Friction The force that opposes motion between 2 surfaces that are touching each other.

Gravity Force exerted by every object in the universe on every other object.

Energy The ability to cause change.

Potential Energy Stored energy. Depends on position or condition.

Kinetic Energy Energy in the form of motion, as in a moving car or truck. (The release of potential energy)

Work The transfer of energy through motion. Work= force x distance.

Law of Conservation of Energy Law states: Energy can change form but cannot be created or destroyed under ordinary circumstances. Applies to closed systems.