Grade 11 General Science: Fluids and Electricity

A collection of vocabulary flashcards defining key scientific concepts, principles, and terms from Grade 11 science lecture notes on fluids, fluid mechanics, pressure, buoyancy, electricity, and electrical safety.

Fluid

Any substance that can flow and take the shape of its container, including both liquids and gases.

Fluid Mechanics

The branch of physics that studies the behavior and movement of fluids (liquids and gases), explaining how they flow, respond to forces, and interact with solid surfaces.

Density ($\rho$)

The amount of mass contained in a given volume of a substance, calculated using the formula $\rho = \frac{m}{V}$.

Volume ($V$)

The amount of space occupied by a substance or object.

Viscosity

The resistance of a fluid to flow, which describes how thick or thin a fluid is.

Pressure ($P$)

The force exerted per unit area, calculated using the formula $P = \frac{F}{A}$.

Pascal's Principle

The principle discovered by Blaise Pascal stating that when pressure is applied to a liquid inside a closed container, the pressure spreads equally in all directions.

Hydraulic System

A system that uses liquids (usually oil) to transfer force from one place to another, allowing a small applied force to produce a larger force.

Water Displacement

The process where an object placed in water pushes some of the water aside.

Archimedes' Principle

The principle stating that an object partially or completely submerged in a fluid experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Buoyancy

The upward force exerted by water, air, or any other fluid on an object that helps it float instead of sink.

Buoyant Force ($F_b$)

The upward push exerted by a fluid on an object, calculated using the formula $F_b = \rho g V$.

Electricity

A form of energy produced by the movement of tiny particles called electrons.

Hydropower

A renewable source of electricity that uses flowing or falling water from rivers or dams to spin turbines connected to generators.

Solar Energy

A renewable energy source where solar panels capture sunlight and convert it directly into electricity.

Wind Energy

A renewable energy source where wind turbines use the force of moving air to spin large blades connected to a generator.

Renewable Sources

Energy sources, such as hydropower, solar energy, and wind energy, that can be naturally replenished.

Nonrenewable Sources

Energy sources, such as coal and natural gas, that take millions of years to form and can eventually be depleted.

Overloading

An electrical hazard that occurs when too many electrical devices or appliances are connected to one outlet or one electrical circuit at the same time.

Circuit Breaker

A safety device that automatically shuts off the flow of electricity when a circuit becomes overloaded or when a short circuit occurs.