Chapter 3 - Gravity, Force, and Space Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, physical laws, formulas, and fundamental principles from Chapter 3 on Gravity, Force, and Space.

Fundamental Forces

The four primary forces of nature, consisting of the Strong force, Electromagnetic force, Weak force, and Gravity, each characterized by relative strength, range, and carrier particles.

Gravitational Constant ($G$)

The universal constant in Newton's law of gravitation, equal to $6.67 \times 10^{-11}\text{ m}^3\text{/kg}\text{ s}^2$.

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation

The law stating that the gravitational attraction between two bodies is proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance separating them, calculated as $F_G = \frac{GMm}{r^2}$.

Mass

An intrinsic property of matter that remains constant regardless of location or gravity.

Weight

The perception of the force of gravity acting on an object's mass, which varies depending on local gravitational acceleration.

Higgs Boson

A particle hypothesized to interact with other particles to give them mass, making it fundamental to the origin of mass and gravity.

Artificial Gravity

Simulated gravity created in space environments, which physically must be achieved through rotation rather than field generation.

Momentum

A conserved physical quantity describing the motion of an object, calculated as mass multiplied by velocity.

Emmy Noether

A German mathematician who showed that physical conservation laws arise from fundamental symmetries, connecting time symmetry to conservation of energy and space symmetry to conservation of momentum.

Newton's First Law of Motion

The principle stating that an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external net force.

Newton's Second Law of Motion

The principle stating that the net force acting on an object equals its mass multiplied by its acceleration ($F = ma$).

Newton's Third Law of Motion

The principle stating that for every action force, there is an equal and opposite reaction force.

Acceleration Due to Gravity ($g$)

The constant acceleration experienced by falling objects at a given elevation, equal to approximately $32\text{ ft/s}^2$ ($9.81\text{ m/s}^2$) on Earth.

Terminal Velocity

The constant speed reached by a falling object when air resistance equals the downward force of gravity.

g-factor

A measure used to compare the acceleration of an object or organism relative to standard Earth gravity ($g$).

Aerodynamic Drag

The air resistance encountered by moving vehicles, which increases with speed and requires greater energy expenditure to overcome.

Four Forces of Flight

The opposing force pairs acting on an aircraft in flight: Lift balancing Weight, and Thrust balancing Drag.

Air Pressure

The weight of atmospheric air exerted on a surface, measuring $1\text{ atm}$ at sea level, dropping to $0.5\text{ atm}$ at $18,000\text{ ft}$, and $0.25\text{ atm}$ at $36,000\text{ ft}$.

Storm Surge

An abnormal sea level rise generated during a hurricane, caused by low central air pressure pulling water upward combined with wind-driven ocean forces.