General Science: Machines, Energy, and Wave Applications

Vocabulary flashcards covering simple and compound machines, friction, fluid mechanics, electrical safety, energy efficiency, and industrial/medical applications of sound and light waves.

Simple machine

A basic mechanical device that makes work easier by changing the size or direction of an applied force.

Compound machine

A device that combines two or more simple machines so that different parts work together to perform a task.

Inclined plane

A device, such as a ramp, that reduces the effort needed to raise a load by increasing the distance over which the force is applied.

Rolling friction

The resistance that occurs when a round object rotates across a surface; it is significantly weaker than sliding friction.

Sliding friction

The resistance that occurs when two flat surfaces rub directly against each other, caused by microscopic imperfections that physically interlock.

Rotational motion

Turning motion around an axis, such as turning a screw.

Translational motion

Movement that involves moving from one location to another, or forward/linear movement.

Pascal's principle

The rule stating that pressure applied to a closed liquid or gas travels to every part of the liquid and all sides of the container equally without losing strength.

Buoyant force

The upward force exerted by a fluid on an object.

Overloading

A condition that occurs when too many appliances or too much electrical demand is placed on one circuit.

Damaged insulation

A hazard where the protective covering of a wire is broken, exposing electrical conductors and increasing risks of shock, short circuits, and fire.

Circuit breaker

A safety device that trips to cut off power during an excessive electrical load; it should not be bypassed if it repeatedly trips.

Energy conservation

The practice of reducing unnecessary energy use through responsible actions like turning off unused lights.

Sound

A mechanical wave that requires a material medium (air, water, or solids) to travel and cannot travel through a vacuum.

SONAR

An acronym for Sound Navigation and Ranging; a system that uses reflected sound waves to locate objects and determine distance, especially underwater.

Ultrasound imaging

A medical application using high-frequency sound waves and their reflections to create real-time images of internal body structures.

Transducer

A device used in ultrasound that sends high-frequency sound waves into the body and receives the reflected waves.

Sound reflection

The phenomenon where a sound wave bounces back after encountering a surface.

Echo

A specific instance of sound reflection where the reflected sound reaches the ears after the original sound.

Light

An electromagnetic wave that does not need a material medium and can travel through a vacuum, such as space.

Fiber-optic communication

A method of sending information via light signals through thin optical fibers using total internal reflection.

Total internal reflection

The process by which light is guided through an optical fiber to transmit data with minimal signal loss.

LEDs

Light-emitting devices used for efficient lighting and visual displays.

Holographic display

A technology that uses controlled light projection and reflection to create a three-dimensional-looking visual effect with depth.