Analysis of Motion and Forces

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to the analysis of motion and forces in physics, emphasizing understanding of significant figures, friction, diagrams, and laws of motion.

Significant Figures

A way of expressing numbers that reflects the precision of measurements.

Accuracy vs. Precision

Accuracy refers to how close a measured value is to the actual value, while precision refers to the repeatability of measurements.

Free Body Diagram (FBD)

A graphical representation used to visualize the forces acting on a single object.

Equilibrium

A state in which the total forces acting on an object are balanced, resulting in no acceleration.

Coefficient of Friction (μ)

A dimensionless scalar value that represents the ratio of the force of friction between two bodies and the force pressing them together.

Static Friction

The friction that exists between a stationary object and the surface on which it rests.

Kinetic Friction

The friction that acts between moving surfaces.

Newton's Second Law of Motion

The principle stating that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.

Threshold Force

The minimum force needed to overcome static friction and start moving an object.

Weight Component

The decomposition of weight into components acting along different axes, such as parallel and perpendicular to the surface.

Rounding Rules

Guidelines for adjusting the value of numbers to a specified number of significant figures during calculations.