Term 3 Physics Science

study for glossary

Force

A push, pull or a twist that can change an object’s motion.

Balanced Force

Forces that are equal in size but in opposite direction.

Unbalanced Force

Forces that cause a change in the motion of an object.

Newton

Unit used to measure force.

Contact force

A force that acts when two objects are in physical contact.

Non-contact force

A force that acts between two objects that are not physically touching.

Magnetic force

A force exerted by magnets on other magnets or magnetic materials.

electrostatic force

A force between charged objects.

Friction

The force that works against an object as it slides along the surface of another object or moves through a liquid or gas.

Gravity

Force that pulls towards the centre of any mass

Mass

how many particles or atoms make up an object

weight

A measure of how much gravity is pilling on an object.