Force and Motion Study Guide

Know the definition and be able to explain the following terms.

Velocity: the speed and direction of an object

Inertia: an object’s resistance to any change in motion

Gravity: a natural force that pulls objects toward the Earth

Friction: a force that slows down an object when it rubs against another object

Acceleration: a change in speed or direction over time

Push and pull: A push is when you put force in an object. A pull is when you drag the object.

Speed: The rate at which someone or something is able to move or operate.

Fill in table to explain Newton’s Three Laws of Motion:

Place the letter for the examples in the correct place in the 4th column.

Law of Motion / Vocabulary Word Associated with it / What it means / Examples
First Law of Motion / Inertia / Resistance to a change in motion /
  1. e

Second Law of Motion / Acceleration / Change in speed or direction over time /
  1. d 3. c
  1. a

Third Law of Motion / Action and Reaction / If one force acts on an object, an opposite force will push back. /
  1. f
  1. b

Explain why a steeper ramp makes a car or ball go faster and farther. The height of the ramp builds up the speed.

Explain which ramp makes a car or ball go faster and farther.

Rocky ramp or icy ramp? Explain why.

The icy ramp has less friction. The bumpy one has more friction.

What is kinetic energy? An object in motion has kinetic energy.

Give three examples of kinetic energy.

  1. Bullet fired from gun
  2. Baseball hit by bat
  3. Arrow shot from bow

What is potential energy? The stored up energy that is released when something moves.

Give three examples of potential energy.

  1. A ball before it is thrown
  2. A car at a stop light
  3. A stretched spring

When on a slide, when does a person have the greatest potential energy? At the top

How does an object’s potential energy effect how much kinetic energy it will have?

Fill out the table about the simple machines.

Type of simple machine / Definition / Picture / Example
Pulley / Simple machine that changes pulling force to a lifting force
Inclined Plane / Simple machine that helps raise the height of objects
Wedge / Simple machine that splits objects
Screw / Simple machine that holds things together
Lever / Simple machine that helps move a load on a fulcrum
Wheel and Axle / Simple machine that makes things easier to move – rod and wheel