Matter
Anything that has mass, takes up space, and is made of
particles.
Solid
The state of matter in which the substance has both a
definite volume and a definite shape. Particles can not
move around one another.
Liquid
The state of matter in which the substance has a definite
volume, but no definite shape. Particles move freely.
Gas
The state of matter in which the substance has neither a
definite volume nor a definite shape. Particles move
rapidly and freely.
Fluid
Any substance that flows. Can be a liquid or a gas.
Viscosity
The measure of how fast a fluid will flow; the "thickness" or
"thinness" of a fluid.
Flow Rate
The volume of fluid that passes a point in a pipe or tube in
a certain amount of time.
Mass
The amount of matter in a substance.
Weight
The force of gravity exerted on a mass.
Density
The amount of mass in a certain unit volume of a
substance (mass divided by volume).
Average Density
The total mass of an object divided by the total volume.
Buoyancy
The tendency to rise or float in a fluid.
Force
A push or pull, or anything, that can cause a change in
motion.
Gravity
The attractive force between masses.
Capacity
The largest amount that can be held by a container.
Pressure
The force acting perpendicular to a surface area.
Compressibility
The ability to be squeezed into a smaller volume.
Compressible
Capable of being squeezed into a smaller volume.
Incompressible
Not capable of being squeezed into a smaller volume.
Hydraulics
The study of pressure in liquids.
Pneumatics
The study of pressure in gases.
Pump
A device that moves a fluid through a hose, pipe or into a
container.
Compressor
A device that compresses air.
Balanced Forces
When all the forces on an object are equal and opposite,
such that the movement will not change.