Explore fundamental physics terms and concepts with clear definitions and practical examples.
Click to view details
The rate of change of velocity with respect to time.
The rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. Acceleration can be positive (speeding up), negative (slowing down), or zero (constant velocity).
When a car goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds, it experiences acceleration.
Click to view details
An interaction that changes the motion of an object.
An interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object. Force can cause an object to accelerate, decelerate, remain in place, or change shape. It is measured in Newtons (N).
Pushing a box across the floor applies force to overcome friction.
Click to view details
Physics theory describing matter and energy at atomic scale.
A fundamental theory in physics that describes the physical properties of matter and energy at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. It differs significantly from classical physics in that energy, momentum, angular momentum, and other quantities are restricted to discrete values.
The behavior of electrons in an atom follows quantum mechanical principles.