Physics Definitions Flashcards

Physics Fundamentals

• Physics is the branch of science focused on matter, energy, and their interactions.
• Motion refers to the change in an object's position over time.

Models and Descriptions

• The particle model simplifies objects to a mass at a point, disregarding size or shape.
• Scalars are quantities described by a single number, while vectors include both magnitude and direction.

Motion Concepts

• Displacement indicates the change in position.
• Velocity is the rate at which an object's position vector changes.
• Acceleration describes how velocity changes over time.

Diagrammatic Representations

• Motion diagrams visually represent an object's position at different times.
• Kinematics provides a mathematical description of motion without exploring the causes.

Types of Motion

• Uniform motion involves straight-line movement with equal displacement at equal time intervals.
• Non-uniform motion has a varying velocity.
• Instantaneous velocity is the speed and direction of an object at a specific moment.

Calculus in Motion

• Derivatives measure how a function changes with alterations in input.
• Integrals sum up values across infinitesimal segments of a function.

Specific Movement Patterns

• Uniformly accelerated motion occurs with constant acceleration.
• 2-D kinematics deals with motion in two dimensions.
• Projectile motion is characterized by acceleration solely due to gravity.
• A trajectory is the path followed by a projectile.

Dynamics and Forces

• Dynamics studies the causes behind motion.
• A force is any influence that causes a change in an object's velocity.
• Contact forces arise from physical interactions, while long-range forces operate without contact.

Principles of Force

• The principle of superposition states the net force on an object is the vector sum of all individual forces.
• Newton's Second Law connects force, mass, and acceleration (F=ma).
• The First Law (Law of Inertia) asserts that an object maintains its velocity unless acted upon by a net force.
• Inertia refers to an object's resistance to changes in motion.

Equilibrium States

• Equilibrium is when the net force on an object equals zero.
• Static equilibrium is characterized by zero velocity, whereas dynamic equilibrium involves nonzero velocity.

Interactions and Reactions

• Interaction denotes the mutual influence between two objects.
• Newton's Third Law states that forces occur in action/reaction pairs between two objects.

Theoretical Assumptions

• The massless string approximation assumes strings have no mass.
• A perfect pulley comprises a massless string and a frictionless pulley.

Concept of Fictitious Forces

• Fictitious forces are not real; they describe motion without external forces acting on the object.

Circular Motion Specifics

• Uniform circular motion involves a constant speed along a circular path with uniform angular velocity.
• The period is the time taken for a complete circle.
• Centripetal acceleration points towards the center of the circle.
• Angular displacement measures the change in angle during circular motion.
• Angular velocity reflects the rate of change of angular position as the particle moves in a circle.

Test your knowledge of essential physics definitions with these flashcards. Each card presents a key term and its concise explanation, covering fundamental concepts like motion and the particle model. Perfect for students and enthusiasts looking to reinforce their understanding of physics.