Forces and Motion Vocabulary

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms and definitions from the Forces and Motion review guide.

Motion

Change in the position of an object

Reference Point

A stationary object used to tell if another object is in motion

Frame of Reference

How we perceive motion (point of view)

Speed

Distance traveled divided by the time of motion

Velocity

Speed of an object in a particular direction

Acceleration

Rate at which velocity changes over time

Resultant Velocity

Velocity result from experiencing more than one motion

Newton's First Law

States that an object in motion stays in motion and an object at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by outside force

Law of Inertia

Another name for Newton's First Law

Inertia

An object's ability to resist a change in motion

Force

A push or a pull

Magnitude

The strength of a force

Net Force

Sum of all forces acting on an object

Normal Force

Force applied to an object by a support

Applied Force

Force exerted by one object onto another

Tension Force

Force transmitted through a rope, wire, etc.

Centripetal Force

A force that causes a curved motion towards a center

Air Resistance

Force air exerts on an object