Vocabulary Words
Science Force and Motion
Force
A push or pull; measuring in Newtons using a spring scale.
Balanced Forces
Forces are equal but in opposite directions.
Unbalanced Forces
Forces are unequal and cause an object to accelerate.
Inertia
The tendency of an object to resist motion.
Friction
A force that opposes motion between two objects that are touching and causes an object to slow down or come to a stop.
Speed
Determined by dividing the total distance by the total time it took to cover that distance.
Velocity
Speed in a certain direction such as 70 mph east.
Acceleration
The rate of change in velocity; can mean speeding up, slowing down or changing direction.
Gravity
An attractive force that exists between all objects that have mass; the greater the mass, the greater the gravity between the objects.
Air resistance
The frictional force between air and objects moving through it.