Force & Motion Vocab

Front

What is the force that pulls objects toward each other?

Back

Gravity is the force that attracts two bodies toward each other, such as the Earth pulling objects toward its center.

Front

What type of friction occurs as an object moves through a liquid?

Back

Fluid friction is the resistance encountered by an object moving through a fluid (liquid or gas).

Front

What is the overall force on an object when all the individual forces acting on it are added together?

Back

Net force is the total force resulting from the combination of all individual forces acting on an object.

Front

What is speed in a given direction called?

Back

Velocity is the speed of an object in a specific direction.

Front

What type of friction occurs when one solid surface slides over another?

Back

Sliding friction is the resistance that occurs when two solid surfaces slide against each other.

Front

What is the term for the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion?

Back

Inertia is the property of matter that causes it to resist changes in its motion.

Front

What is the rate of change of velocity called?

Back

Acceleration is the rate at which an object changes its velocity.

Front

What is the force that opposes the motion of an object?

Back

Friction is the force that opposes the relative motion of solid surfaces, fluid layers, and material elements sliding against each other.

Front

What is the term for the distance traveled per unit of time?

Back

Speed is the distance traveled divided by the time taken to travel that distance.

Front

What is the force that acts on an object in a circular path directed toward the center of the circle?

Back

Centripetal force is the force that keeps an object moving in a circular path, directed toward the center of the circle.