Physical Science (Unit of Motion Test)

Speed

A scalar quantity measuring how fast an object is moving, regardless of direction.

Velocity

A vector quantity that measures the rate of change of an object's position, including both speed and direction.

Distance

The total length of the path traveled between two points, regardless of direction.

Displacement

The shortest path from the starting point to the finish, found using the hypotenuse of a triangle formed by the two points.

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity over time.

Constant speed

If an object moves at constant speed, it covers the same distance each second.

X-values on a graph

Represent time on a position versus time graph.

Y-values on a graph

Represent position on a position versus time graph.

Balanced forces

When the sum of the forces acting on an object equals zero.

Unbalanced forces

When the sum of the forces acting on an object does not equal zero, causing acceleration.

Newton's First Law

An object will remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by a net external force.

Friction

A force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact.

Momentum

The product of an object's mass and velocity.

Elastic collision

A collision where both kinetic energy and momentum are conserved.

Inelastic collision

A collision where only momentum is conserved, and the objects may not bounce away.

Hypotenuse

The longest side of a right triangle, used for calculating displacement.

Instantaneous speed

The speed of an object at a specific moment in time.

Path of a ball rolling

If it rolls at constant velocity, it follows a straight path without changing speed or direction.

Rate of change

How quickly a variable changes over time.

Force (F)

A push or pull exerted on an object.

Air resistance

The resistance an object experiences when moving through the air.

Gravity

The attractive force between two objects due to their masses.

Position

A specific point in space relative to a reference point, often expressed as coordinates.

Hypotenuse calculation

To find the hypotenuse, use the Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c².

Distance formula

Distance = Speed × Time.

Acceleration formula

Acceleration = (Final Velocity - Initial Velocity) / Time.

Scalar quantity

A quantity that has only magnitude, e.g., distance.

Vector quantity

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction, e.g., velocity.

Net force (F_net)

The total force acting on an object after all forces are combined.

Path of least resistance

The direction an object will naturally move in response to forces.

Motion

The change in position of an object over time.

Variables in motion

Starting point, destination, distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration.

Trajectory

The path followed by an object moving through space.

Collision types

Elastic, inelastic, perfectly inelastic, head-on, and oblique.

Average speed formula

Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time.

Force of friction

The resistance encountered when one surface slides over another.

Synonyms for speed

Velocity, pace, quickness.

Constant velocity

When an object's speed and direction remain unchanged.

Quickest path

The shortest route to a destination.

Speedometer reading

Instantaneous speed at a particular moment.

Track position

The specific location of an object along a path.

Change of position

Movement from one location to another.

Newton's second law

F = ma, demonstrating the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.

Downward acceleration

The acceleration experienced by an object in free fall due to gravity.