The Projectile Launch Project

Projectile Glossary

acceleration - the rate at which velocity changes.

accuracy - describes how close measurements are to the true value.

aerodynamics - the study of the forces that act on bodies moving in air.

aim - to direct a tool or weapon to hit a target.

altitude - the height of an object above sea level.

angle - the shape or space made between two straight line segments.

apex - the highest point.

area - surface space

axle

ballast - heavy materials used to add weight.

center of gravity - the point in a system or object around which the weight is evenly distributed.

centimeter - a unit of measure. One one hundredth of a meter.

centripetal force - force that tends to make rotating objects move toward the center of rotation.

circle - a curved figure, shaped like a ring.

counterweight - a weight that is placed to balance another weight.

displacement

distance - the interval between two points in space.

effort - the force needed to do work.

energy - the ability to do work.

equation - a statement showing that two quantities or expressions are equal.

escape velocity - the velocity needed for an object to escape the gravity of a planet.

experiment - a test performed to discover something or show something that is known.

flight - moving through the air or space.

force - a push or a pull that can start motion.

formula - a form of equation that that show a mathematical relationship.

friction - a force that opposes motion.

fulcrum - the point on which a lever pivots.

gear

gram - a unit of weight. A nickel weighs approximately five grams.

gravity - an attractive force between bodies (including solids, liquids, and gases).

horizontal - parallel to the horizon

inertia - objects at rest remain at rest. Moving objects continue moving.

invention - creating new processes or objects.

kilogram - a unit of weight. Equal to 1,000 grams.

kinetic energy - the energy of movement.

launch - to throw an object with force.

laws of motion

length - distance from one end of an object or space to another.

lever

load - the weight carried by an object.

machine - a device that enables the user to do work with less effort.

mass

measurement - finding the dimensions, capacity, or amount of something.

mechanics - teh science of motion.

mechanical energy

meter - a unit used to measure distance. An adult human is approximately 2 meters.

milligram - a unit used to measure mass. One one thousandth of a gram.

millimeter - a unit used to measure distance. One one thousandth of a meter.

missile - an objects that is launched.

model - a small copy of an object.

momentum

motion - movement of an object or part of an object.

Newton's Laws

observation - noticing or watching something carefully.

parallel

parabola - the red curve on the image you see when you click on "parabola"

perpendicular

physics - the scientific study of matter, energy, forces, and space.

pivot - the point on which an object turns.

potential energy

power

pressure - a force that a body or fluid exerts on another body.

projectile - anything that is thrown forward.

propel - to push forward.

propulsion - the force that pushes objects forward.

pulley

radius

range

ratio - the comparison of two numbers

repeatability - the ability to perform an action many times and get the same result.

rotate

scientific method

second - a unit used to measure time.

simple machine - includes levers, wheels, pulleys, screws, and inclined planes.

sling

speed

spring

stability - resistant to changes in position.

stored energy - also known as potential energy.

stress - force put on a body that tends to change its shape.

surface area - the area of a surface. The exposed part, measured in square units.

target - an object or surface at which people aim.

technology - the application of scientific principles to solve real-world problems.

tension - a pulling force.

test - to experiment with a system to determine its behavior or properties.

torque

trajectory - the path a projectile follows.

trigger - activating or initiating an action.

velocity

vertical

volume - the space taken up by an object.

weight - the heaviness of something.

winch - a cylindrical device on which rope is wound using a handle.

work