Physics Vocabulary

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. It is the energy an object has because of its height above the ground.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. It depends on the mass of the object and the speed at which it is moving.

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Front

What is inertia?

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. The more mass an object has, the more inertia it possesses.

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NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Front

What is speed?

Back

Speed is the distance traveled by an object in a given amount of time.

Front

What is magnitude in physics?

Back

Magnitude refers to the size or strength of a quantity, such as force or energy.

Front

What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?

Back

The formula for kinetic energy (KE) is KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Front

What is the formula for calculating potential energy?

Back

The formula for potential energy (PE) is PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

Front

What is the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy in a roller coaster?

Back

As a roller coaster climbs, potential energy increases and kinetic energy decreases. As it descends, potential energy decreases and kinetic energy increases.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Front

What is the definition of force?

Back

Force is a push or pull on an object that can cause it to accelerate, change direction, or change shape.

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NGSS.MS-PS2-1

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Front

What is the unit of force?

Back

The unit of force is the Newton (N).