Unit 2: Motion and Stability Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, principles, and Newton's Laws of Motion from the Unit 2: Motion and Stability study guide.

Speed

The distance traveled by a moving object per unit of time.

Balanced force

Forces acting on an object that result in stability and no change in motion.

Unbalanced force

A force that produces a change in the motion of an object.

Newton’s First Law

Also known as the Law of Inertia; relates an object's resistance to change in motion to its mass.

Newton’s Second Law

Also known as the Law of Force; states that force equals mass multiplied by acceleration, expressed by the formula $F = m \times a$.

Newton’s Third Law

A physical law explaining why forces act in pairs, stating that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Net Force

The overall or total force acting on an object, typically analyzed using net force diagrams.

Acceleration

The rate at which an object changes its motion, divided into positive acceleration and negative acceleration.

Inertia

The concept associated with Newton's First Law whose magnitude is determined by an object's mass.

Friction

A type of force that opposes or resists the motion of objects.

Gravity

A force characterized by a gravitational pull that is determined by two primary factors.

Motion

A change in position identified in physical scenarios by velocity, forces, and acceleration.