Physics and Astronomy Concepts

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acceleration

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Any change in velocity. Acceleration is any change in speed or direction. It is measured in metres per second per second (m/s/s).

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air resistance

Back

A force that resists an object’s motion through air.

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applied force

Back

A type of force exerted by a person, animal or machine.

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balanced force

Back

A force with an equal and opposite force acting on the same object. Balanced forces cancel out and do not cause an object to accelerate.

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collision force

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A contact force that acts on an object when it hits another object.

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contact force

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Any force that can only occur when two objects are touching. This includes friction, air resistance and applied forces.

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Newton's First Law of Motion

Back

An object has a constant velocity unless acted on by a net force. An object will keep moving at the same speed in the same direction unless acted on by a net force (law of inertia).

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force

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A push or pull that causes an object to accelerate unless it’s balanced by an equal and opposite force.

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free body diagram

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A representation of all the forces acting on an object.

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friction

Back

A force that resists an object’s motion. Friction is a contact force. It is larger on rough or sticky surfaces.