QUICK DEFINITION: Net force is the overall force acting on an object, determined by combining all individual forces acting upon it. It influences the object’s motion, direction, and acceleration, reflecting the sum of all applied forces. EXPLANATION: An object at rest or in motion has different forces acting on it. A book on a table …
Kinetic energy sounds like a complex concept. However, it is actually quite simple. In fact, we encounter kinetic energy every day. In order to understand kinetic energy, you must first understand what energy is. Energy is the force that an object applies. It is the ability or capacity to do work. There are different forms …
QUICK DEFINITION: Compressional waves, also known as longitudinal waves, transmit energy by causing particles to oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation, typically seen in sound waves and seismic vibrations. EXPLANATION: Compression and rarefaction are just like siblings. That’s because they stay right next to each other as neighbors in longitudinal waves. When we …
DEFINITION: Rarefaction refers to the region in a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart, creating a decrease in density. It occurs between compressions and is a phase of wave propagation. EXPLANATION: Waves are energy vibrations that are transmitted through a medium. However, the direction in which these waves vibrate can make all the difference. …
Force is something that we come across in everyday life. It can be defined as an external cause or energy that results in movement or a change in position of a body that is either at rest or moving in a straight line. It is an external push or pull that acts on an object. …
Simple machines are everywhere. They are the building blocks of many of the machines we use to make our work easier. A simple machine is any device that changes the magnitude or direction of a force applied to it. They are the simplest mechanisms that can make work easier by providing a mechanical advantage. Simple …
DEFINITION: Compound machines are complex systems made of multiple simple machines working together to perform tasks. They leverage the combined mechanical advantages of various components to accomplish specific functions or actions. EXPLANATION: Machines can be either simple or compound. Simple Machines Simple machines are machines in their simplest forms. They work through the application of …
DEFINITION: Contact forces are interactions between objects in direct physical contact, generating forces through direct touch or contact. EXPLANATION: When it comes to forces, you can pick from two flavors: contact forces or non-contact forces. All forces either belong to one or the other. By their names, we already have a clue of what they …
Levers are simple machines. They form the basis of many of the tools we use in our day-to-day lives. Levers have three basic components: the effort, fulcrum or pivot, and load. Effort is applied to a lever at one point to move a load that is at another point on the lever. The force of …
Light energy and chemical energy can be considered opposites in one respect: light energy cannot be stored while chemical energy can be stored for later use. Energy is said to be interchangeable from one form to another. If light energy could be changed into chemical energy, this can be a brilliant way to stockpile reserves …