Physics Calculators

Physics Glossary — Key Terms Explained

Velocity (v)

The rate of change of position with respect to time. A vector quantity — it has both magnitude (speed) and direction. Unit: m/s.

Acceleration (a)

The rate of change of velocity with respect to time. Unit: m/s². Gravity accelerates objects at 9.81 m/s² near Earth's surface.

Force (F)

A push or pull on an object. Defined by Newton's Second Law: F = ma. Unit: Newton (N) = kg·m/s².

Kinetic Energy (KE)

The energy an object possesses due to its motion. KE = ½mv². Doubling speed quadruples kinetic energy.

Density (ρ)

Mass per unit volume: ρ = m/V. Unit: kg/m³. Water has a density of 1,000 kg/m³ at 4°C.