General Science - Physics and Motion Reviewer

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of general science, physics, motion theories, and mechanical advantage from the Chapter 1 to 3 reviewer.

Science

A body of knowledge and a dynamic process that serves as the heart of human progress through a systematic approach.

Science as a Process

A method that begins with curiosity, emphasizes critical thinking relying on evidence and reproducibility, and is self-correcting as new evidence emerges.

Physics

Derived from the Greek word 'Physics' (meaning nature), it deals with matter, energy, and their interactions to reveal the laws of nature from observed events.

Translational Motion

Motion along a straight path where all points of the object move the same distance.

Rotational Motion

Movement around an axis where all points of the object are farther from the axis, such as a Ferris Wheel turning.

Natural Motion

Aristotle's classification of motion where objects move to their natural place: heavy objects fall and light objects rise.

Violent Motion

Aristotle's classification of motion that happens only if a force, like a push or pull, is continuously applied.

Galileo Galilei

Scientist who laid the foundation for modern physics by refuting Aristotle and establishing that motion continues even without force unless slowed by friction.

Law of Inertia

Newton's 1st Law: An object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion remains in motion unless acted on by an external, unbalanced force.

Law of Acceleration

Newton's 2nd Law: The acceleration of an object depends on the mass of the object and the amount of force applied ($F = m \times a$).

Law of Reaction

Newton's 3rd Law: When one object exerts force on a second object, the second object exerts an equal and opposite reaction.

Displacement ($s$)

The change in position of an object in a specific position, calculated as $s = x_f - x_i$.

Velocity ($v$)

The rate of change of displacement with respect to time; speed with direction ($v = \frac{\triangle s}{\triangle t}$).

Acceleration ($a$)

The rate of change of velocity with respect to time, calculated as $a = \frac{v_f - v_i}{\triangle t}$.

Momentum ($p$)

The quantity of motion an object has, which depends on mass and velocity ($p = m \times v$).

Angular Displacement ($\theta$)

The change in the angle through which an object rotates around an axis, calculated as $\theta = \theta_f - \theta_i$.

Angular Velocity (\text{\omega})

The rate of change in angular displacement with regards to time (\text{\omega} = \frac{\triangle \theta}{\triangle t}).

Angular Acceleration (\text{\alpha})

The rate of change of angular velocity with respect to time (\text{\alpha} = \frac{\text{\omega}_f - \text{\omega}_i}{\triangle t}).

Torque (\text{\tau})

The turning effect of a force applied at a perpendicular distance from the axis (\text{\tau} = r \times F).

Angular Momentum ($L$)

The quantity of rotation an object has, depending on its moment of inertia ($I$) and angular velocity (\text{\omega}) (L = I \times \text{\omega}).

Simple Machines

Basic mechanical devices with one basic motion and one moving part that allow tasks to be accomplished with less effort.

Inclined Plane

A slanted surface used to move objects up or down with less force, though over a longer distance; $IMA = \frac{L}{H}$.

Wedge

A device shaped like two inclined planes joined together used for splitting or cutting; $IMA = \frac{L}{t}$.

Screw

An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder that converts rotational motion into an upward force; IMA = \frac{2 \times \text{\pi} \times r}{P}.

Lever

A rigid bar that pivots on a fulcrum; $IMA = \frac{L_{effort}}{L_{resistance}}$.

Wheel and Axle

A wheel attached to a smaller axle where turning one rotates the other; $IMA = \frac{R_{wheel}}{R_{axle}}$.

Pulley

A wheel with a groove and rope used to change the direction of force; the $IMA$ is equal to the number of rope segments ($N$).

Class 1 Lever

A lever where the fulcrum is located in the middle; effort and load move in opposite directions.

Class 2 Lever

A lever where the load is located in the middle; effort and load move in the same direction, using less force.

Class 3 Lever

A lever where the effort is located in the middle; it uses more force but increases speed and distance.

Compound Machines

A combination of two or more simple machines, such as a can opener.

Complex Machines

Large systems made up of many compound machines, powered by electricity, fuel, or hydraulics (e.g., cars or washing machines).

Actual Mechanical Advantage (AMA)

The mechanical advantage where friction is present; it calculates the ratio of output force to input force ($AMA = \frac{F_{out}}{F_{in}}$).

Ideal Mechanical Advantage (IMA)

The mechanical advantage where friction is not present; it calculates the ratio of input distance to output distance ($IMA = \frac{d_{in}}{d_{out}}$).