Forces Glossary

The rate of change of speed or velocity

The gravitational force acting on an object.

A contact force that opposes the motion of an object through air.

The steepest stable angle at which loose material can remain without sliding.

often measured in degrees (°) or radians (rad), depending on the context. In a complete circle, there are 360 degrees or 2π radians. Mathematically can be calculated as the difference between the initial and final angles, taking into account the direction of rotation.

often measured in radians per second (rad/s) and can be calculated by dividing the change in angular displacement by the time it takes for that change to occur. Mathematically, it can be expressed as ω = Δθ / Δt, where Δθ represents the change in angle, and Δt represents the time interval.

The support force experienced by an object, usually the normal force.

The act of disturbing another object

A system of two masses connected by a string passing over a pulley.

The average force acting during a time interval.