Physics in Daily Life Flashcards

This set covers definitions of fundamental physics branches, types and quantities of motion, classes of simple and compound machines, and principles of fluid mechanics.

Physics

The branch of science that studies matter, energy, motion, forces, and their interactions to explain how the natural world works.

Mechanics

The study of motion, forces, energy, and matter, including how vehicles move and structures stay balanced.

Thermodynamics

The study of heat, temperature, and energy transformations, such as in engines and refrigeration.

Electromagnetism

The study of electric currents, magnetic fields, and light, powering technology like wireless networks.

Optics

The study of light properties and vision, including lenses and medical imaging.

Translational Motion

Motion where an object moves from one position to another along a line or path.

Rotational Motion

Motion where an object spins or turns around a fixed central point or axis.

Distance ($d$)

A scalar quantity defined as the total path length traveled by an object, measured in meters ($m$).

Displacement ($\Delta x$)

A vector quantity representing the straight-line distance and direction from the initial to the final position, measured in meters ($m$).

Speed ($v$)

A scalar measure of how fast an object is moving; the rate of change of distance covered over time, measured in $\text{m/s}$.

Velocity ($\vec{v}$)

A vector quantity representing speed in a specific direction; the rate of change of displacement over time, measured in $\text{m/s}$.

Acceleration ($a$)

The rate of change of velocity over time, including speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction, measured in $\text{m/s}^2$.

Angular Displacement ($\theta$)

The shortest angle through which an object rotates around a fixed axis, measured in radians ($rad$).

Angular Velocity ($\omega$)

A vector quantity describing how fast and in what direction an object turns around an axis, measured in $rad/s$.

Angular Acceleration ($\alpha$)

The rate at which rotational speed changes over time, measured in $rad/s^2$.

Simple Machine

A basic mechanical device that makes work easier by changing the direction or magnitude of a force.

Compound Machine

A device composed of two or more simple machines working together to perform a task.

Lever

A rigid bar pivoting on a fixed point called a fulcrum ($F$) to lift or move loads ($L$) using effort ($E$).

First-Class Lever

A lever where the fulcrum is in the middle ($E-F-L$), such as a seesaw or scissors.

Second-Class Lever

A lever where the load is in the middle ($F-L-E$), such as a wheelbarrow or nutcracker.

Third-Class Lever

A lever where the effort is in the middle ($F-E-L$), such as tweezers or the human arm.

Inclined Plane

A flat, sloped surface set at an angle that reduces the force needed to raise an object vertically.

Wedge

A portable or double inclined plane that transforms force applied to one end into perpendicular forces to split or cut materials.

Screw

An inclined plane wrapped around a central cylinder that converts rotational force into linear force.

Wheel and Axle

A large wheel rigidly attached to a smaller central shaft that amplifies force or speed.

Pulley

A wheel with a grooved rim for a rope or cable used to redirect or multiply pulling force.

Fluid

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

Density

A measure of how much mass is contained in a specific volume; objects with lower density float in denser fluids.

Pressure

The amount of force exerted per unit area; it increases as force increases or area decreases.

Pascal's Principle

The principle stating that pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally throughout the fluid.

Archimedes' Principle

The principle stating that an immersed object experiences a buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces.

Laminar Flow

A smooth and organized fluid motion where particles move in regular paths.

Turbulent Flow

An irregular and chaotic fluid motion characterized by swirling motions.

Bernoulli's Principle

The principle that describes how as the speed of a fluid increases, the pressure within that fluid tends to decrease.