Forces, Motion and Machines

Science

A change in velocity with respect to time

Acceleration

A change in velocity with respect to time. Acceleration. Acceleration is how quickly something speeds up, slows down, or changes direction.

The force used on a simple machine

Effort force

The force used on a simple machine effort force. Effort force is the push or pull applied to a machine to make it work.

The push or pull exerted on an object

Force

The push or pull exerted on an object. Force. In simple terms, force is what makes an object start moving, stop, or change direction.

The force that opposes motion between two surfaces that are touching

Friction

The force that opposes motion between two surfaces that are touching. Friction is the resistance you feel when you slide one object over another.

Fixed point on which a lever pivots

Fulcrum

Fixed point on which a lever pivots. Fulcrum. A fulcrum is the support or point that a lever balances on and uses to lift objects with less effort.

The attractive force between all objects that have mass

Gravity

The attractive force between all objects that have mass. Gravity is a force that pulls objects toward each other, like how Earth pulls us toward its surface.

A simple machine with a flat, sloped surface

Inclined plane

A simple machine with a flat, sloped surface. Inclined plane. It is a flat surface tilted at an angle used to help move objects upward with less effort.

The tendency of objects to resist any change in motion

Inertia

The tendency of objects to resist any change in motion. Inertia. Inertia is an object's natural resistance to changes in its speed or direction.

A simple machine that consists of a bar that pivots on a fixed point

Lever

A simple machine that consists of a bar that pivots on a fixed point. Lever. A lever helps lift or move heavy objects by using a pivot point to increase force.

A device that uses electrical energy to do work

Load

A device that uses electrical energy to do work. Load. In science, a load is something that consumes electrical power, like a light bulb or a motor.

A change in an object’s position

Motion

A change in an objects position. Motion. Motion is when something moves from one place to another.

The location of an object

Position

The location of an object. Position. In science, position refers to where an object is located in space at a given time.

A simple machine made of a wheel with a rope around it

Pulley

A simple machine made of a wheel with a rope around it. Pulley. A pulley helps lift heavy objects by changing the direction of the force needed.

A simple machine made of an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder

Screw

A simple machine made of an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. Screw. A screw is a tool that converts rotational force into linear motion, making it easier to hold things together or lift objects.

A device that changes a force with one movement, like a lever, inclined plane, wedge, screw, wheel and axle, or pulley

Simple machine

A device that changes a force with one movement, like a lever, inclined plane, wedge, screw, wheel and axle, or pulley. Simple machine. A simple machine is a tool that makes it easier to move or lift objects by requiring less force.

The distance an object travels per unit of time

Speed

The distance an object travels per unit of time. Speed. Speed is how fast something is moving.

Speed and direction of a moving object

Velocity

Speed and direction of a moving object. Velocity. Velocity is how fast an object is moving and in which direction.

A simple machine made of one or two inclined planes

Wedge

A simple machine made of one or two inclined planes. Wedge. A wedge is a tool used to split or lift objects apart by converting force applied to its wide end into force at its narrow end.

Measure of the force of gravity on an object

Weight

Measure of the force of gravity on an object. Weight. Weight is how heavy something feels due to gravity pulling on it.

A simple machine made of a wheel with a rod joined at its center, they rotate together

Wheel and axle

A simple machine made of a wheel with a rod joined at its center, they rotate together. Wheel and axle. A wheel and axle is a device that makes it easier to move or lift objects by reducing the force needed through rotation.

The use of force to move an object over a distance, its unit is the Joule (J)

Work

The use of force to move an object over a distance, its unit is the Joule J. Work is when you apply force to something and it moves.