Control Variables- A variable that is kept the same in an experiment is called a control variable.
Experimental Variables- The variable that is changed is in an experiment is called the experimental variable.
Independent Variable- The variable that is the cause of change in the system is called the independent variable. Time is a common independent variable in experiments.
Dependent Variable- The variable that shows (or may show) the effect of those changes is called the dependent variable. The variable that changes because of an independent variable like time is the dependent variable.
Metric Conversions- a system of measuring based on the meter and the kilogram and using multiples of 10
Energy- Energy is a quantity that measures the ability to cause change in a physical system. The unit of measurement for energy is the joule (J).
Potential Energy- Potential energy is energy due to position. The word “potential” means that something is capable of becoming active. PE = mgh
Kinetic Energy- Energy of motion is called kinetic energy. KE=½ mv 2
Force- A force is a push or pull, or any action that has the ability to change motion. Force is measured in
Newtons (N), and 𝑁 = 𝑘𝑔 ∙ 𝑚 𝑠 2
How do you read a graph? Look for the number on the x-axis and then work your way up on the y-axis. On the x-axis you place the independent variable, and the dependent variable is on the y-axis.
Force vs. Acceleration- this relates to Newton’s second law...if mass increases, then you need more force to equal the same acceleration. Mass and acceleration are indirectly proportional, and force and acceleration are directly proportional.
Net Force- Net Force is the total of all forces acting on an object.
Friction- The force that opposes motion.. (like the wheel and axle of a car). Friction is an outside force that slows objects down.
Motion- A change in position, using a frame of reference.
Acceleration- Acceleration is the rate at which your speed increases.
Mass- The amount of matter an ob ject has; a measure of an object’s inertia
Velocity- Velocity is speed with direction.
Newton’s 1st Law- An object at rest will stay at rest and an object in motion will continue in motion with the same speed and direction UNLESS acted on by a force. Also known as the Law of Inertia
Newton’s 2nd Law- Force = Mass * acceleration; describes motion produced by unbalanced forces.
Acceleration is always in the direction of the unbalanced force. Units of force: Newton 1 N = 1 kg x m/s/s F=am
Newton
’s 3rd Law- For every action force, there is a reaction force equal in strength and opposite in direction.
Impulse- A change in momentum created by a force exerted over time is called impulse. 𝐹𝑡 = 𝑚𝑣 𝑚𝑣
1
Impulse can be shown as N·sec or kg·m/sec.
2
−

Acceleration due to gravity- Objects in free fall on Earth accelerate downward at 9.8 m/sec2, the acceleration due to gravity. Because this acceleration is used so frequently in physics, the letter g is used to represent its value.
Be Prepared To Solve For:
Time
Acceleration
Height (distance from top of building)
Momentum
Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy
Impulse
Formula(s) Needed: Metric Units: t= 𝒅 𝒗 a= 𝑣
2
−𝑣
1 𝑡
Time( 𝑠𝑒𝑐 ) Distance(m)
Speed( 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐 )
Acceleration( 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐 2
) Change in speed( 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐 ) Time( 𝑠𝑒𝑐 )
D=
𝒂𝒗𝒈
2
Vavg= 𝒗 𝒇
+𝒗 𝒊
𝟐
Vf=
i
p= mv
EK=
𝟏
𝟐
𝟐
Distance(m) Time( 𝑠𝑒𝑐 )
Average Speed( 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐 )
Average Speed( 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐 )
Final Speed( 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐 )
Initial Speed( 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐 )
Final Speed( 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐 )
Acceleration due to
Gravity( 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
2
)
Time( 𝑠𝑒𝑐 )
Momentum( 𝑘𝑔 ∙ 𝑚
) 𝑠
Mass( 𝑘𝑔 ) Velocity( 𝑚 𝑠
)
Kinetic Energy(joules)
Mass( 𝑘𝑔 ) Speed( 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐 )
EP=
F * t = mv
2
-mv
1
Potential Energy(joules)
Mass( 𝑘𝑔 ) Height( 𝑚 )
Acceleration due to
Gravity( 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
2
)
N*s = kg *m/s
Conservation of Momentum m
1 v
3
= - ( m
2 v
4
) kg * m/s