AP Physics 1 - Forces Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to forces in AP Physics 1, useful for exam preparation.

Net Force

The vector sum of all forces acting on an object.

Friction

A force that opposes the motion of an object; acts parallel to the surface.

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity of an object.

Gravitational Force

The attractive force between two masses; calculated by the equation F = G(m1*m2)/r².

Translational Equilibrium

A state where the sum of all forces acting on an object is zero.

Centripetal Force

The net force causing the circular motion of an object.

Torque

A measure of the force that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of an object due to its motion; calculated as KE = 1/2 mv².

Potential Energy

The energy stored in an object due to its position; gravitational potential energy is PE = mgh.

Period of Oscillation

The time taken for one complete cycle of a periodic motion.

Impulse

The change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a period of time.

Work-Energy Theorem

The work done on an object equals the change in its kinetic energy.

Coefficient of Friction

A dimensionless scalar value that represents the frictional force between two bodies.

Critical point

The point at which an object will begin to change its state of motion, often a maximum point before failure.

Newton's Second Law

The force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration (F=ma).