Physics Fundamentals: Motion, Force, and Energy

Vocabulary flashcards covering basic physics principles including kinematics, dynamics, energy, and Newton's Laws of Motion.

Speed

The distance traveled per unit of time. Formula: $\text{Speed} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}$.

Velocity

The speed of an object in a specific direction. Formula: $\text{Velocity} = \frac{\text{Displacement}}{\text{Time}}$.

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity per unit of time. Formula: $\text{Acceleration} = \frac{\text{Final Velocity} - \text{Initial Velocity}}{\text{Time}}$.

Initial Velocity (u)

The velocity of an object before it undergoes acceleration.

Final Velocity (v)

The velocity of an object after acceleration.

Distance during acceleration

The formula for distance when acceleration is constant: $d = ut + \frac{1}{2} a t^2$, where $d$ is distance, $u$ is initial velocity, $a$ is acceleration, and $t$ is time.

Free Fall Distance

The distance an object falls under gravity: $d = \frac{1}{2} g t^2$, where $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately $9.8\, \text{m/s}^2$).

Free Fall Velocity

The velocity reached during free fall given by the formula: $v = g t$.

Weight

The force exerted by gravity on an object. Formula: $W = m g$, where $W$ is weight, $m$ is mass, and $g$ is acceleration due to gravity.

Force

Any interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object. Formula: $F = m a$, where $F$ is force, $m$ is mass, and $a$ is acceleration.

Work

The energy transferred to or from an object via the application of force along a displacement. Formula: $W = F d \cos(\theta)$.

Power

The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. Formulas: $P = \frac{W}{t}$ or $P = F v$.

Total Mechanical Energy

The sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in a system. Formula: $E_{\text{total}} = PE + KE$.

Potential Energy (PE)

Energy stored due to an object's position or state. Formula: $PE = m g h$, where $h$ is height above a reference point.

Kinetic Energy (KE)

The energy an object possesses due to its motion. Formula: $KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2$.

Velocity from Kinetic Energy

The formula to calculate velocity when kinetic energy and mass are known: $v = \sqrt{\frac{2 KE}{m}}$.

Newton's First Law

An object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by a net external force.

Newton's Second Law

The force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object times its acceleration. Formula: $F = m a$.

Newton's Third Law

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Contact Forces

Forces that occur when objects are in physical contact, such as friction, tension, and normal force.

Action-at-a-Distance Forces

Forces that occur even when objects are not in physical contact, such as gravitational force, magnetic force, and electrical force.

Gravitational Potential Energy

Energy stored in an object lifted above ground level.

Elastic Potential Energy

Energy stored in stretched or compressed objects, such as springs.

Kinetic Energy Examples

Practical examples include a moving car, a rolling ball, and a flowing river.