Page 229 - Physics

Glossary

Glossary

Acceleration the rate of change of velocity of an object with time
symbolised as a

Acceleration due to gravity acceleration produced as a result of the attraction of the
earth to an object

Accurate measurement One that yields a result that is very close to the actual
value

Action-at-a-distance exist between two interacting objects which are not in
physical contact with each other yet they exert a push or
pull upon each other. Examples are the force of gravity,
electrical, and magnetic forces
Actual weight the weight of a body in the air

Adhesion action of attraction between molecules of different
substances
Adhesive force the force of attraction that exists between molecules of
different substances

Ammeter a device for measuring electric current in a circuit.
Electric current is measured in ampere

Aneroid barometer an instrument for measuring pressure. It is an advanced
Fortin barometre and contains no fl uid

Apparatus tools or equipment that are required to perform a
particular activity or task effectively in the laboratory

Apparent loss in weight the difference in weight when a body is totally or partially
submerged in a fl uid and the actual weight of an object in
air

Apparent weight the weight of a body in a fl uid

Applied force the push or pull exerted on an object, such as that exerted
on a box when being pulled. It acts on a body

Archimedes’ principle describes the relationship between upthrust acting on a
body and the weight of liquid it displaces

Astronomy the scientifi c study of the moon, sun, stars, and the
planets. It involves studying their sizes, motion and other
properties

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