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AP Physics Language of Motion Flashcards

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14878944964PositionThe location of an object relative to some other location0
14878944965DistanceLength of a path between two positions1
14878944966DisplacementDifference between your starting and ending positions2
14878944967Speed (v)Change in position over time3
14878944968Velocity (v)speed with direction4
14878944969AccelerationRate of change of an object's velocity5
14878944970acceleration due to gravityThe acceleration of an object experiencing only the force of gravity on earth's surface6
14878944971VectorQuantity with a direction7
14878944972ScalarQuantity without direction8
14878944973ForceA push or pull between two objects9
14878944974Net forceThe sum of the forces on an object in a certain direction10
14878944975Centripetal forceThe name given to net force when it causes circular motion11
14878944976gravitational forceA fundamental force of nature which attracts all objects that have mass to one another. Not usually strong enough to be seen unless the masses are very large. Always acts from center of mass to center of mass.12
14878944977Electrostatic forceA fundamental force of nature between two objects or particles that have electric charge.13
14878944978Objects with the same charge willRepel14
14878944979Objects with opposite charges willAttract15
14878944980Frictional ForceA force opposing the relative motion of two surfaces against one another. Depends on the texture of the surfaces and the amount of force pressing those surfaces together. Always acts parallel to the surfaces.16
14878944981Tension forceA pulling force on an object by a rope, string, cord, etc. Always acts along the direction of the rope.17
14878944982Normal forceA pushing force acting on two surfaces when they are pressed against each other. Always acts perpendicular to the surfaces18
14878944983Newton's first lawObjects maintain a constant velocity (straight line, constant speed) unless acted on by a non-zero net force19
14878944984Newton's Third LawWhenever two objects interact, the forces they exert on each other are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction20

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