Physics Basics: Force, Motion, and Energy

Front

What is force?

Back

Any push or pull on an object that causes the object to move, stop, or change speed, direction, or shape.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

The energy an object can have because of its motion.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

The stored energy an object has dependent on its position.

Front

What is motion?

Back

A change in position, described by its direction and speed.

Front

What causes changes in motion?

Back

Force, mass, and friction.

Front

What is a net force?

Back

A combination of all forces acting on an object.

Front

What is gravity?

Back

An invisible force that pulls two objects together.

Front

What is friction?

Back

A force that resists an object's kinetic energy and opposes motion.

Front

What is inertia?

Back

The property of a body to remain at rest or to remain in motion with constant velocity.

Front

What is Newton's first law?

Back

Objects at rest stay at rest and objects in motion stay in motion unless acted upon by another force. Also known as the law of inertia.