Physics: English Vocabulary List

(physics) a source of power that is required to do any work that may exist in potential, kinetic, thermal and other forms

"Energy powers our homes."

"The sun provides clean energy that we can use to power our homes and cities every single day."

(physics) an effect that causes a body to move or change direction

"Pushing causes a force."

"Gravitational force is one of the four fundamental interactions governing the universe."

(physics) an oscillating movement by which energy is transferred without the transport of matter, such as light and sound

"A large wave crashed against the shore."

"A gravitational wave is a ripple in the fabric of space-time"

(physics) the state of being under pressure as a result of getting stretched

"Rope tension is high."

"Surface tension allows small insects to walk on water without sinking."

(physics) the amount of force exerted per area that is measured in pascal, newton per square meter, etc.

"The tire pressure is low."

"The deep-sea submersible must withstand immense external pressure from the surrounding ocean water."

(physics) the degree to which a substance is compacted, measured by dividing its mass by its volume

"Ice has lower density than water."

"The density of a substance determines whether it will float or sink in water."

(physics) a nuclear reaction by which the nuclei of atoms combine and form a heavier nucleus, producing nuclear energy

"Fusion creates energy."

"Scientists are working to achieve controlled nuclear fusion as a clean and virtually limitless energy source for the future."

the energy difference that drives current, typically measured in volts

"The battery has potential."

"The electrical potential difference between the two points was significant."

(physics) any of the smallest units that energy or matter consists of, such as electrons, atoms, molecules, etc.

"A tiny particle floated."

"Scientists study the behavior of subatomic particles in accelerators."

a phenomenon of attracting and repulsing forces that a moving electrical charge produces

"Magnets show magnetism."

"The Earth's magnetism protects us from solar radiation."

a flow of electricity resulted from the movement of electrically charged particles in a direction

"The current is strong."

"A steady current flowed through the wires, powering the device."

total potential energy provided by a power source

"This has high voltage."

"The electrician checked the voltage to ensure safety before working."