Physics Vocabulary

The ability to cause change

• Power

• Work

• Machine

• Energy

The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred

• Energy

• Work

• Power

• Kinetic energy

The transfer of energy to an object by using a force that causes the object to move in the direction of the force

• Work

• Machine

• Energy

• Power

The energy of an object that is due to the object's motion

• Energy

• Kinetic energy

• Potential energy

• Mechanical energy

The energy that an object has because of its position or chemical composition

• Potential energy

• Kinetic energy

• Energy

• Mechanical energy

The sum of an object's kinetic and potential energy due to gravity

• Kinetic energy

• Mechanical energy

• Potential energy

• Energy

A device that helps do work by changing the magnitude or direction of an applied force

• Machine

• Level

• Pulley

• Fulcrum

A number that tells how many times a machine multiples input force

• Mechanical efficiency

• Machine

• Mechanical advantage

• Power

A quantity that measures the ratio of work output to work input in a machine (a percentage)

• Potential energy

• Kinetic energy

• Mechanical advantage

• Mechanical efficiency

A simple machine that consists of a bar that pivots at a fixed point called a fulcrum

• Lever

• Machine

• Pulley

• Inclined plane