Science Fundamentals: Air, Elements, Forces, and Sound

Vocabulary flashcards covering introductary concepts of atmospheric science, chemical elements, mechanical forces, and acoustics based on the lecture topics provided.

Air

The mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth and which humans and animals breathe.

Elements

Pure substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances; the basic building blocks of Earth.

Springs

Elastic objects that store mechanical energy and exert a force when they are compressed or stretched.

Friction

A force that opposes motion between two surfaces that are touching each other.

Pressure

The amount of force exerted per unit area on a surface, often measured in science as $P = \frac{F}{A}$.

Balanced forces

Two forces acting in opposite directions on an object and equal in size, resulting in no change in the object's motion.

Unbalanced forces

Forces that cause a change in the motion of an object because they are not equal and opposite.

Making sounds

The process of producing sound through the vibration of particles or objects.

Moving sounds

The propagation of sound energy as it travels through different mediums such as air, water, or solids.

Detecting sounds

The act of sensing or hearing sound vibrations, usually via an ear or a scientific instrument.

Waves

Disturbances that transfer energy from one point to another without transferring matter.