How Forces Affect Motion - Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the introductory concepts of force, vector quantities, units of force measurement, and balanced forces from Chapter Six.

Force

A push or pull acting on a body that cannot be seen directly, but is judged by the effects it produces on various bodies around us.

Vector Quantity

A quantity, such as force, that requires a specified magnitude, unit, and direction to be fully defined.

Newton

The SI unit of force, represented by the symbol $\text{N}$.

Spring Balance

A device used to measure the magnitude of force by measuring the pulling effect on an internal spring when tugged on its hook.

Millinewton

A unit of force equal to $10^{-3}\,\text{N}$, which is the order of the smallest forces directly felt in everyday life, such as a light touch.

Yoctonewton

A unit of force equal to $10^{-24}\,\text{N}$, representing extremely small forces measured by scientists in specialized experiments.

Balanced Force

A force state where the net effect produced by a number of forces acting on a body is zero; it does not change the state of rest or motion of an object, but can change its shape.