Forces, Motion and Machines

Acceleration

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Motion

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

Position

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

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.

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.

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.

Speed

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

Velocity

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

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.

Weight

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

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.

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.