Physics Concepts, Machines, and Fluid Dynamics

A complete vocabulary review set covering basic physical quantities, forms of motion, simple and compound machines, fluid principles, energy conversions, and real-world safety applications.

Motion

Change in position.

Force

A push or pull.

Inertia

Resistance to change in motion.

Energy

The ability to do work.

Translational Motion

Motion from one place to another, such as walking, running, or a moving car.

Rotational Motion

Spinning or moving around an axis, such as a ceiling fan, bicycle wheel, or Ferris wheel.

Combined Motion

Motion that uses both translational and rotational motion, such as in a bicycle, car, rolling ball, or wheelchair.

Simple Machines

Devices that make work easier by reducing effort, changing the direction of force, or making tasks faster.

Six Simple Machines

The six foundational mechanical devices: lever, wheel and axle, inclined plane, pulley, wedge, and screw.

Compound Machines

Machines made from two or more simple machines, such as a bicycle, wheelbarrow, can opener, or sewing machine.

Mechanical Advantage (MA)

Calculated as output force divided by input force ($\text{MA} = \frac{\text{Output Force}}{\text{Input Force}}$). For example, an output force of $200\,N$ and an input force of $50\,N$ results in an MA of $4$.

Fluid

A substance that can flow, which includes liquids and gases.

Density

Mass packed into a volume, expressed as $D = \frac{m}{V}$.

Pressure

Force acting on or applied to an area, expressed as $P = \frac{F}{A}$.

Buoyant Force

The upward force exerted by a fluid on an object.

Archimedes' Principle

States that an object experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid, explaining why ships float.

Pascal's Principle

States that pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally in all directions, as demonstrated in hydraulic jacks and hydraulic brakes.

Bernoulli's Principle

States that faster-moving fluids have lower pressure, explaining airplane wings, perfume sprayers, and strong winds lifting roofs.

Heat (Thermal) Energy

A form of energy used in processes such as cooking food.

Energy Conversions

Transformations of energy from one form to another, such as electrical energy converting to mechanical energy in an electric fan, or chemical energy converting to mechanical energy from eating food.

Physics in Safety and Health

Applications of physics to protect lives, such as helmets spreading impact force during accidents, seatbelts preventing passengers from moving forward suddenly, and proper lighting preventing accidents.

Physics in Community and Environment

The use of physics principles to reduce power demand, lower pollution through energy-efficient appliances, and improve safety with better road designs.