Rotational and Translational Motion and Machines

Vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts of translational and rotational motion, linear and angular quantities, resistance to movement, and types of machines.

Translational Motion

Occurs when an object moves from one place to another, such as a car driving on a straight way.

Distance

The total path length covered by a moving object; it is a scalar quantity with only magnitude and no direction, measured in meters ($m$).

Displacement

The shortest straight-line distance from an object's initial position to its final position; it is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction, measured in meters ($m$).

Speed

A linear quantity used in translational motion measured in meters per second ($m/s$).

Velocity

A linear quantity used in translational motion measured in meters per second ($m/s$).

Acceleration

A linear quantity used in translational motion measured in meters per second$^2$ ($m/s^2$).

Rotational Motion

Movement where an object spins around an axis while staying in one spot, such as ceiling fan blades.

Angular Displacement ($\theta$)

A rotational quantity measured in Radians ($rad$).

Angular Velocity ($\omega$)

Also called spin-speed; a rotational quantity measured in Radians per second ($rad/s$).

Angular Acceleration ($a$)

A rotational quantity measured in Radians per second$^2$ ($rad/s^2$).

Torque

The rotational force required to turn an object around an axis.

Mass

A property that resists straight-line movement; it makes an object harder to push if more of it is present.

Moment of inertia

Also called spin-resistance; it depends not only on weight, but where the weight is placed.

Simple Machines

Devices that make work easier by reducing the effort needed to move or lift an object, such as a lever, pulley, or wedge.

Compound Machines

A machine made of more than one simple machine.

Lever

A bar that helps lift or move objects.

Pulley

A wheel with a rope for lifting loads.

Wedge

A tool used for cutting or splitting.

Inclined Plane

A sloped surface that makes lifting easier.

Screw

A spiral fastener used for joining or lifting.

Wheel and Axle

A wheel that makes moving objects easier.