KS3 Science · Physics
Forces
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Key words
Force A push or a pull
Newton The unit of force
Newton meter Measures the size of a force
Contact force Acts only when objects touch
Non-contact force Acts without the objects touching
Friction Opposes sliding between two surfaces
Air resistance Drag from moving through air
Water resistance Drag from moving through water
Upthrust Upward push from a liquid or a gas
Weight The pull of gravity on an object
Tension The pulling force in a rope or string
Resultant force The single force left when forces are combined
Balanced forces Equal and opposite forces on one object
Unbalanced forces Forces that do not cancel out
Equilibrium When the forces on an object are balanced
Streamlined Shaped to cut down drag
Lubricant A substance, such as oil, that reduces friction