5th Grade Science: Force and Motion

These flashcards contain essential vocabulary and definitions related to the concepts of force, motion, and energy in grade 5 science.

Force

A push or pull on an object resulting from the object's interaction with another object.

Motion

The change in position of an object over time.

Energy

The ability to do work or produce change.

Variable

Any factor that can change in an experiment.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon, used as a starting point for investigation.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed or controlled in an experiment.

Friction

The force that opposes the motion of an object.

Gravity

The force that attracts a body toward the center of the Earth or any other physical body having mass.

Magnetism

A force that can attract or repel magnetic materials.

Mechanical Energy

The sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in a system.

Trial

A repeated experiment or observation to obtain reliable data.

Conclusion

A summary of the results of an experiment, typically based on the data collected.

Investigation

A careful search or examination in order to discover facts or information.

Constant

A standard of comparison for checking or verifying the results of an experiment.

System

A group of interacting or interdependent elements forming a complex whole.

Attract

To pull together, as opposite poles of magnets do.

Repel

To push away, as like poles of magnets do.

Distance

The amount of space between two points.

Position

The location of an object or body in relation to its surroundings.

Patterns

Repeated or predictable forms or designs in observations.

Equal/Unequal

Having the same number, value, or measurement versus not having the same.

Control

The standard by which the test results can be compared.