General Science 101: Motion, Fluid Mechanics, and Electricity

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the core concepts of Physics, including types of motion, simple machines, fluid mechanics principles, and electrical hazards as presented in the General Science 101 lecture.

Physics

The study of matter, energy, movement, forces, and how things in the universe interact with each other.

Motion

Moving from one position to another over time.

Force ($N$)

A push or a pull that moves or changes the movement of an object.

Work

What happens when a force actually makes an object move, resulting in the transfer of energy.

Power

How fast work is done or how fast energy is used.

Translational Motion

When an object moves completely from point A to point B in the same direction, following a linear or curved path.

Rotational Motion

When an object spins or turns around a fixed central point known as an axis.

Torque

The twisting force that causes something to rotate; often described as the spinning version of force.

Moment Arm (Lever Arm)

The distance from the pivot point (hinge) to where force is applied.

Ergonomics

The practice of designing tools and workspaces so human bodies experience less physical stress and avoid injury.

Simple Machine

A basic device made to make everyday work easier and save time.

Compound Machine

A machine made by combining two or more simple machines.

Distance ($m$)

How far an object traveled in a straight line.

Velocity ($m/s$)

How fast an object is going in a specific direction.

Acceleration ($m/s^2$)

How fast the speed or direction of an object is changing.

Angular Displacement ($\theta$)

The total angle an object turns, measured in degrees or radians.

Angular Velocity ($\omega$)

How fast an object is spinning, measured in $rad/s$.

Angular Acceleration ($\alpha$)

How fast the spinning speed is changing, measured in $rad/s^2$.

Lever

A rigid bar that pivots on a fixed point called a fulcrum, such as a seesaw or crowbar.

Wheel & Axle

A large wheel locked to a smaller rod so they spin together, such as a doorknob or steering wheel.

Pulley

A wheel with a groove holding a rope used to lift heavy things, like those on a flagpole or crane.

Inclined Plane

A flat, slanted surface or ramp used to move things up or down.

Wedge

Two slanted surfaces put together back-to-back used to split or cut things, like a knife or axe.

Screw

An inclined plane wrapped in a spiral around a cylinder, such as a jar lid or light bulb base.

Pascal's Principle

States that when pressure is applied to a confined, static fluid, that pressure change is transmitted equally and undiminished to every portion of the fluid and the container walls.

Buoyancy

The net upward force exerted by a fluid on an object that is partially or fully immersed in it.

Archimedes’ Principle

States that any object, wholly or partially submerged in a fluid, is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid that the object displaces.

Electricity

The flow of electric charges, occurring when electrons move from one point to another.

Electrical Efficiency (Motors)

Electric motors convert $85-90 \%$ of energy into motion, compared to fuel engines which waste ~$70 \%$ as heat.

Environmental Impact (Electricity)

Generating electricity often relies on burning fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases and causes habitat damage.

Hazard

The potential of something to cause harm.

Risk

The percentage of a hazard actually causing harm.

Overloading

A hazard where too many devices draw power from one outlet or circuit.

Damaged Insulation

When the protective covering of a wire is damaged, exposing the conductor.

Short Circuit

A connection between a line wire and a neutral or ground wire.

Electric Shock

When electric current passes through the human body.

Electrocution

Death caused by electricity.

Electrical Fires

Fires caused specifically by electricity.