7.2 Forces Word List

Vocabulary terms and definitions from the 7.2 Forces Word List for Semester 2 Science exam preparation.

acceleration

The rate at which velocity changes over time.

force

A push or pull between objects, which may cause one or both objects to change speed, and/or direction of their motion, and/or their shape.

law

A statement that describes a relationship or phenomena that does not change under the same conditions.

mass

The amount of matter in an object.

matter

A physical substance; anything that has mass and occupies space.

theory

A formal explanation, based on evidence and reviewed by the scientific community. Predictions can be tested by comparing actual observations with the theory.

Newton

the unit for force

friction

a contact force that opposes motion and produces heat

contact force

a force required to be in direct contact with an object to cause a push, pull or twist

non-contact force

a force applied to an object by another body that is not in direct contact with it