Forces and Motion - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms about force, motion, rest, direction, and net effects from the lecture notes.

Force

A push or pull acting upon an object that can cause motion or a change in speed, direction, or shape.

Magnitude

The size or strength of a force.

Direction

The way in which a force acts; together with magnitude it specifies the force.

Newton (N)

The SI unit of force.

Motion

A state in which a body changes its position with time relative to its surroundings.

Rest

A state in which a body does not change its position with time relative to its surroundings.

Push

A force that moves or tends to move an object away from the source of the force.

Pull

A force that moves or tends to move an object toward the source of the force.

Contact Force

A force that arises from physical contact between objects.

Non-contact Force

A force that acts at a distance without direct contact.

Deformation

Change in the shape or size of an object caused by force.

Net Force

The combined effect of two or more forces acting on an object; it can be a larger resultant or cancellation.

Resultant Force

The overall force after combining two or more forces; its direction depends on the larger contributing force.

Forces in the Same Direction

When multiple forces act in the same direction, they add up to give the total force.

Forces in Opposite Directions

When forces act in opposite directions, the resultant equals the difference and points toward the larger force.

Zero Net Force

When two equal opposite forces cancel, the net force is zero and the body remains at rest.