Physics flashcards, generated for you.

Velocity is displacement per unit time (vector: has magnitude and direction). Speed is distance per unit time (scalar: magnitude only). Example: 50 m/s east vs. 50 m/s.

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity: a = Δv/Δt. Units: m/s² (meters per second squared). Positive a = speeding up in reference direction; negative a = slowing down or reversing.

F_net = ma. Net force on an object equals mass times acceleration. Meaning: force causes acceleration proportionally; larger mass requires larger force for same acceleration.

Kinetic energy (KE = ½mv²) is energy due to motion. Potential energy (PE = mgh or ½kx²) is stored energy due to position or configuration. Total mechanical energy conserved when only conservative forces act.

Momentum p = mv (vector). In an isolated system with no external net force, total momentum is conserved: p_initial = p_final. Used to solve collision problems.

Work done by net force equals change in kinetic energy: W_net = ΔKE = ½m(v_f)² − ½m(v_i)². Connects force over distance to energy change; applies even with friction.

SHM occurs when restoring force is proportional to displacement and opposite in direction: F = −kx. Results in oscillation with constant amplitude. Period T = 2π√(m/k) for mass-spring; period independent of amplitude.

Impulse J = FΔt (force × time interval). Impulse-momentum theorem: J = Δp = m(v_f − v_i). Shows how average force over time changes momentum; explains why airbags reduce injury (longer Δt, smaller F).

Elastic collision: kinetic energy and momentum both conserved. Inelastic collision: momentum conserved but kinetic energy lost (converted to heat, sound, deformation). Perfectly inelastic: objects stick together.

Newton's law of universal gravitation: F = G(m₁m₂)/r². Gravitational PE = −G(m₁m₂)/r (taking PE = 0 at r = ∞). Near Earth's surface, PE ≈ mgh (constant g approximation, reference at h = 0).