Physics Study Guide: Motion and Inertia

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary terms and definitions related to motion, energy, momentum, and wave phenomena in physics.

Inertia

The tendency of an object to resist changes in motion.

Newton’s First Law of Motion

An object will remain at rest or move in a straight line at constant speed unless acted on by a net force.

Force

A push or pull that changes the motion of an object, mathematically defined as F = ma.

Velocity

Speed in a given direction, measured relative to something else.

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity.

Gravity

The attractive force between masses, causing objects to accelerate downward at a rate of g = 9.8 m/s² on Earth.

Weight

The force of gravity acting on a mass, given by W = mg.

Kinematic Equations

Equations that describe motion under constant acceleration.

Projectile

An object launched into the air influenced only by gravity and inertia, tracing a parabolic path.

Mechanical Energy

Energy in the form of kinetic energy (energy of motion) and gravitational potential energy (stored due to height).

Conservation of Energy

The law stating that total energy remains constant, though it can transform into other forms.

Friction

A force opposing motion between surfaces, which converts mechanical energy into thermal energy.

Momentum

The product of an object’s mass and velocity, described as p = mv.

Impulse

A force applied over a time interval, causing a change in momentum.

Elastic Collisions

Collisions where both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Inelastic Collisions

Collisions where momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not.

Periodic Motion

Any motion that repeats regularly, used to measure time.

Harmonic Oscillator

A system that oscillates around an equilibrium position due to a restoring force.

Fundamental Frequency

The simplest vibration pattern that uses the entire string and is the lowest possible frequency.

Timbre

The quality of sound that makes one instrument sound different from another at the same pitch.

Wave Speed

The speed of a wave, given by the formula v = λ f.

Superposition

When waves overlap, adding together constructively or destructively.

Sonic Boom

A sudden loud sound caused by overlapping pressure waves at supersonic speeds.