General Physics I (PHY 1123) Exam #2 Review Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for General Physics I Exam #2 Review.

Inertia

The tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion; in the absence of an external force, a moving object will move with constant velocity.

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity of an object. In projectile motion, the horizontal component is zero (ignoring air resistance).

Newton's Second Law

A fundamental law of physics stating that force equals mass times acceleration (F=ma).

Gravitational Acceleration

The downward acceleration due to gravity, approximately 9.80 m/s².

Action-Reaction Forces

Forces that always act on different objects and are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

Cliff Height

The vertical distance from the top of the cliff to the bottom.

Weight

The force exerted by the Earth on an object.

Mass

The amount of matter in an object; it remains constant regardless of location.

Horizontal Range

The horizontal distance traveled by a projectile before striking the ground or water.

Pound (lb)

A measurement of weight, where 1 lb is approximately 4.45 N.

Horizontal Launch

The initial vertical velocity is zero.

Gravity on the Moon

The acceleration due to gravity on the Moon is 1/6 of that on Earth, but mass remains constant.

The total horizontal distance traveled by a projectile.

Projectile Range

Horizontal Force Component

The component of force that acts in the direction of motion.

Coefficient of Kinetic Friction

The ratio of the friction force to the normal force between two surfaces.

Tension

The force exerted by a rope or cable, usually under tension.

Equilibrium Angle

The angle the ropes make with the vertical.

Net Force and Acceleration

The net force acting on an object divided by its mass dictates its acceleration.

Kinetic Friction

The force that opposes motion when two surfaces are in contact.

Reaction Force to Weight

The force the toy exerts upwards on the Earth.