8th Grade Physics Vocabulary

Which term describes the ability to do work or cause change in a system?

• Work

• Energy

• Velocity

• Distance

Answer explanation

The term 'energy' refers to the capacity to do work or cause change in a system. It is a fundamental concept in physics that encompasses various forms, such as kinetic and potential energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

What is the rate of change in velocity over time?

• Energy

• Distance

• Acceleration

• Velocity

Answer explanation

The rate of change in velocity over time is defined as acceleration. It measures how quickly an object's velocity changes, making 'acceleration' the correct answer.

The energy an object has due to its position or condition is called:

• Kinetic energy

• Mechanical energy

• Potential energy

• Work

Answer explanation

The energy an object has due to its position or condition is known as potential energy. Unlike kinetic energy, which is related to motion, potential energy is stored energy based on an object's position in a force field.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

What term describes the energy an object has due to its motion?

• Potential energy

• Mechanical energy

• Work

• Kinetic energy

Answer explanation

The term that describes the energy an object has due to its motion is 'kinetic energy'. This type of energy is directly related to the speed and mass of the moving object.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

The sum of potential and kinetic energy in a system is called:

• Work

• Mechanical energy

• Velocity

• Acceleration

Answer explanation

The sum of potential and kinetic energy in a system is referred to as mechanical energy. This term encompasses both forms of energy, making it the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Which formula represents Newton's Second Law of Motion?

• F = ma

• E = mc^2

• v = d/t

• W = Fd

Answer explanation

Newton's Second Law of Motion is represented by the formula F = ma, where F is the force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration. This formula shows how force is directly proportional to mass and acceleration.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

If you lift a book from the floor to a table, what type of energy increases?

• Kinetic energy

• Mechanical energy

• Potential energy

• Work energy

Answer explanation

When you lift a book, you increase its height above the ground, which raises its potential energy. This energy is stored due to its position, while kinetic energy remains constant if the book is lifted steadily.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

The product of force and displacement is the definition of:

• Energy

• Work

• Velocity

• Acceleration

Answer explanation

The product of force and displacement defines work, which measures the energy transferred when a force moves an object. Thus, the correct answer is Work.

What is the scalar quantity that measures how far an object moves?

• Distance

• Velocity

• Work

• Energy

Answer explanation

The scalar quantity that measures how far an object moves is called distance. Unlike velocity, which includes direction, distance only accounts for the total movement regardless of direction.

The speed of an object in a particular direction is called:

• Distance

• Acceleration

• Energy

• Velocity

Answer explanation

The speed of an object in a specific direction is defined as velocity. Unlike speed, which is scalar, velocity includes direction, making it a vector quantity.