Unit 1: Physics Vocabulary

Front

Kinetic Energy

Back

The energy an object has due to motion. Everything that is moving has kinetic energy.

Front

Potential Energy

Back

Stored energy; energy an object has due to its position.

Front

Sir Isaac Newton

Back

An English scientist and mathematician of the 17th and early 18th centuries. Newton made major contributions to the understanding of motion, gravity, and light.

Front

Newton’s 1st Law of Motion

Back

An object in motion will stay in motion and an object at rest will stay at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force.

Front

Inertia

Back

Something’s ability to resist change at rest or in motion.

Front

Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion

Back

The acceleration of an object is dependent on mass and force. F=ma (Force= mass x acceleration).

Front

Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion

Back

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Front

Motion

Back

A change of position over time.

Front

Force

Back

A push or pull on an object.

Front

Balanced Force

Back

Forces where the effect of one force is cancelled out by another.