Physics: Forces and Motion

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to physics concepts of force, motion, and torque.

Force

An agency that can change the shape, size, speed, and state of motion of a body.

Translational Motion

A type of motion that acts upon a rigid body, characterized by a straight line movement.

Rotational Motion

Motion that occurs when a body rotates about a pivot point or axis.

Torque

Also known as moment of force, it is generated when a force is applied to a pivoted body causing rotation.

Pivot Point

The fixed point around which a body rotates.

S.I. Unit of Torque

Newton meter (N·m), which measures the rotational force applied.

Couple

Two forces acting on a body along the same line but in opposite directions, causing rotation.

Clockwise Moment

A moment taken as negative when the rotating body moves in a clockwise direction.

Anti-Clockwise Moment

A moment taken as positive when the rotating body moves in an anti-clockwise direction.

C.G.S Unit of Torque

Dyne centimeter (dyne cm), the unit used in the centimeter-gram-second system for measuring torque.

Relationship of Units

1 Nm is equal to 10^5 dyne cm, expressing the conversion between SI and CGS units of torque.

Gravitational Force

Force acting on a mass due to gravity, measured in kilograms-force (kgf) which can be converted to Nm.