Forces and Motion Concepts

Front

What is Force?

Back

A push or a pull acting on an object. A force can cause things to slow down, speed up, or change direction.

Front

Newton’s Law of Motion

Back

Sir Isaac Newton's laws of motion explain how force works. The three laws are: 1. Law of Inertia 2. Law of Acceleration 3. Law of Action & Reaction.

Front

Newton's first law of motion (Law of Inertia)

Back

If an object is at rest, it will remain at rest; if the object is in motion, it will stay in motion unless acted upon it.

Front

Newton's second law of motion (Law of Acceleration)

Back

Acceleration (gaining speed) happens when a force acts on a mass (object). The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. F = m/a.

Front

Newton's third law of motion (Law of Action & Reaction)

Back

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Action force has the same amount of force to reaction force.

Front

Potential Energy

Back

Is the stored form of energy because of its position; stored energy is greatest when an object is at a high height.

Front

Kinetic Energy

Back

Energy in motion. Energy of movement is greatest when an object is moving at its top speed.

Front

Balanced Force

Back

Forces on an object that combine to give a zero net force and do not change the motion of the object.

Front

Unbalanced Force

Back

Two or more forces that are not equal and opposite of one another; can cause change in motion.

Front

Friction

Back

The contact force that occurs when an object in motion rubs against the surface.