Matter In Motion Test

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  • 1/34 Questions

    Forces are expressed in _______________. (newtons or mass)

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Matter In Motion Test - Quiz
About This Quiz

Quiz to assess force and motion knowledge, as learned through the "Matter in Motion" lab.

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  • 2. 

    The newton is the SI unit of _______________. (force or mass)

    Explanation
    The newton is the SI unit of force. In physics, force is defined as the interaction that causes an object to accelerate or deform. It is measured in newtons, named after Sir Isaac Newton, who made significant contributions to the understanding of force and motion. The newton is defined as the force required to accelerate a one-kilogram mass by one meter per second squared. Therefore, the correct answer is force.

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  • 3. 

    Total distance divided by total time gives ab object's average _______________. (speed or acceleration)

    Explanation
    The given question asks for the term that describes the total distance divided by the total time, which is the definition of average speed. Speed is a measure of how quickly an object moves, calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the time taken. On the other hand, acceleration refers to the rate at which an object's velocity changes over time. Therefore, the correct answer is speed.

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  • 4. 

    The speed of an object in a particular direction is an object's _______________. (speed or velocity)

    Explanation
    Velocity is the correct answer because it refers to the speed of an object in a particular direction. Unlike speed, which only indicates how fast an object is moving, velocity also takes into account the direction of motion. Therefore, velocity provides a more comprehensive description of an object's motion.

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  • 5. 

    A push or a pull is a _______________. (friction or force)

    Explanation
    A push or a pull is referred to as a force. Force is a physical quantity that can cause an object to accelerate, change its shape, or change its state of motion. In this context, a push or a pull can be considered as an application of force on an object, resulting in a change in its motion or position.

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  • 6. 

    _______________ are substances that are applied to surfaces in order to reduce the friction between them. (lubricants or friction)

    Explanation
    Lubricants are substances that are applied to surfaces to reduce friction. They form a thin layer between two surfaces, allowing them to glide smoothly over each other. By reducing friction, lubricants help to minimize wear and tear, heat generation, and energy loss in mechanical systems. They are commonly used in various industries, such as automotive, manufacturing, and aerospace, to ensure smooth operation and prolong the lifespan of machinery and equipment.

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  • 7. 

    _______________ opposes motion between surfaces that are touching. (Friction or Gravity)

    Explanation
    Friction opposes motion between surfaces that are touching by creating resistance or a force that acts opposite to the direction of motion. It occurs when two objects are in contact and trying to move relative to each other. Friction is caused by the microscopic irregularities on the surfaces, which interlock and create a force that resists the motion. This force can make it difficult for objects to slide or move smoothly against each other. Gravity, on the other hand, is the force that attracts objects towards each other and is not directly related to opposing motion between surfaces.

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  • 8. 

    A _______________ is determined by combining forces. (net force or newton)

    Explanation
    A net force is determined by combining all the forces acting on an object. It is the vector sum of all the individual forces, taking into account their magnitudes and directions. The net force determines the overall motion or equilibrium of the object. If the net force is zero, the object will remain at rest or continue moving at a constant velocity. If the net force is non-zero, it will cause the object to accelerate in the direction of the net force. Therefore, a net force is the result of combining forces acting on an object.

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  • 9. 

    When observing an object in motion in relation to an object that appears to stay in place, the object that appears to stay in place is a _______________. (friction point or reference point)

    Explanation
    When observing an object in motion in relation to an object that appears to stay in place, the object that appears to stay in place is called a reference point. A reference point is used to measure the motion or position of other objects. It serves as a fixed point of comparison, allowing us to determine the speed, direction, and distance of the moving object. By using a reference point, we can establish a frame of reference and make accurate observations about the motion of other objects.

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  • 10. 

    When the net force on an object is not zero, the forces on the object are _______________. (unbalanced or balanced)

    Explanation
    When the net force on an object is not zero, it means that the forces acting on the object are not equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. This results in an unbalanced force, causing the object to accelerate or change its state of motion.

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  • 11. 

    When a force is applied to an object but does NOT cause the object to move, _______________ occurs. (static friction or sliding friction)

    Explanation
    When a force is applied to an object but does not cause the object to move, static friction occurs. Static friction is the force that prevents two surfaces from sliding past each other when they are not in motion. It acts in the opposite direction to the applied force and increases as the applied force increases until it reaches its maximum value. This maximum value of static friction is what keeps the object in place and prevents it from moving.

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  • 12. 

    Any change in position over time is an example of _______________. (motion or acceleration)

    Explanation
    The given correct answer for this question is "motion". Motion refers to any change in position over time. It can be described as the movement of an object from one place to another. In this context, any change in position over time can be considered an example of motion.

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  • 13. 

    Your class and another class have a tug-of-war contest.  For your class to win, your class must

    • Create a balanced force with the other class.

    • Have a greater force in the direction opposite the other class.

    • Have a greater force in the same direction as the other class.

    • Create a net force of zero with the other class.

    Correct Answer
    A. Have a greater force in the direction opposite the other class.
    Explanation
    In a tug-of-war contest, for your class to win, it needs to have a greater force in the direction opposite the other class. This means that your class needs to pull harder in the opposite direction, causing the other class to lose balance and be pulled towards your side. By exerting a greater force in the opposite direction, your class can overpower the other class and win the contest.

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  • 14. 

    The distance traveled divided by the time it took to travel that distance determines an object's

    • Speed.

    • Acceleration.

    • Weight.

    • Force.

    Correct Answer
    A. Speed.
    Explanation
    The distance traveled divided by the time it took to travel that distance determines an object's speed. Speed is a measure of how fast an object is moving, and it is calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the time taken. Acceleration, on the other hand, is the rate at which an object's velocity changes over time. Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity, and force is a push or pull on an object. Therefore, the correct answer is speed, as it directly relates to the distance traveled and the time taken.

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  • 15. 

    An object's velocity remain constant when its __________ do not change.

    • Speed and direction

    • Speed and time in motion

    • Time in motion and direction

    • Distance traveled and time in motion

    Correct Answer
    A. Speed and direction
    Explanation
    An object's velocity remains constant when its speed and direction do not change. Velocity is a vector quantity that includes both speed (magnitude) and direction. If either the speed or the direction changes, the velocity will also change. However, if both the speed and direction remain constant, the velocity will remain constant as well.

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  • 16. 

    Balanced forces applied to an object

    • Produce a net force of zero.

    • Change the direction of a moving object.

    • Cause an object at rest to start moving.

    • Produce negative net force.

    Correct Answer
    A. Produce a net force of zero.
    Explanation
    When balanced forces are applied to an object, it means that the forces acting on the object are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. This results in the cancellation of forces, leading to a net force of zero. As a result, the object remains in a state of equilibrium, either at rest or moving at a constant velocity. Therefore, the correct answer is that balanced forces produce a net force of zero.

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  • 17. 

    Friction is a force that

    • Opposes an object's motion.

    • Does not exist when surfaces are very smooth.

    • Decreases with larger mass.

    • All of the above.

    Correct Answer
    A. Opposes an object's motion.
    Explanation
    Friction is a force that opposes an object's motion. This means that when an object is moving, friction acts in the opposite direction to slow it down or prevent it from sliding. Friction is caused by the interaction between the surfaces of two objects and is present even when the surfaces are not perfectly smooth. The other options, such as friction not existing when surfaces are very smooth or decreasing with larger mass, are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the nature of friction.

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  • 18. 

    You have made a house of cards on top of your table.  Suddenly, a gust of wind blows through an open window and your house of cards comes tumbling down.  The wind applied ______ to your house of cards.

    • Friction

    • A balanced force

    • An unbalanced force

    • A gravitational force

    Correct Answer
    A. An unbalanced force
    Explanation
    The wind applied an unbalanced force to the house of cards. An unbalanced force occurs when the forces acting on an object are not equal, causing a change in its motion. In this case, the force of the wind was greater than the forces holding the house of cards together, causing it to collapse. Friction and a gravitational force are not applicable in this scenario as they do not directly relate to the wind causing the cards to fall.

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  • 19. 

    A force

    • Is expressed in newtons.

    • Can cause an object to speed up, slow down, or change direction.

    • Is a push or a pull.

    • All of the above.

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "all of the above" because a force can be expressed in newtons, it can cause an object to speed up, slow down, or change direction, and it can be a push or a pull.

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  • 20. 

    You are in Chicago, IL.  You decide to head south to Austin, TX.  In one hour, you travel 80 km.  Your velocity is

    • 80:1

    • 80 km

    • 80 km/h

    • 80 km/h south

    Correct Answer
    A. 80 km/h south
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 80 km/h south. This is because velocity is a vector quantity that includes both magnitude (speed) and direction. In this case, the magnitude of the velocity is 80 km/h, which indicates the speed at which you are traveling. The direction is south, indicating the direction in which you are heading. Therefore, the correct answer is 80 km/h south.

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  • 21. 

    One way to increase friction is to use

    • Wax.

    • Water.

    • Sand.

    • Oil.

    Correct Answer
    A. Sand.
    Explanation
    Sand can increase friction because it has rough and irregular particles that create more contact points with the surface, increasing the frictional force. When objects come into contact with sand, the rough particles interlock with each other and with the surface, making it harder for them to slide or move easily. This increased friction helps to prevent slipping or sliding, making sand an effective substance for increasing friction.

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  • 22. 

    Rolling friction

    • Is usually less than sliding friction.

    • Makes it difficult to move objects on wheels.

    • Is usually greater than sliding friction.

    • Is the same as fluid friction.

    Correct Answer
    A. Is usually less than sliding friction.
    Explanation
    Rolling friction is usually less than sliding friction because when an object rolls, only a small portion of its surface comes into contact with the ground, resulting in less resistance. In contrast, sliding friction occurs when two surfaces slide against each other, causing more contact area and therefore more friction. This is why it is generally easier to move objects on wheels compared to sliding them directly on a surface.

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  • 23. 

    Which of the following is NOT an example of a force being exerted?

    • Pushing a door open

    • Typing on a computer keyboard

    • Sitting in a chair

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. None of the above
    Explanation
    All of the given options are examples of forces being exerted. Pushing a door open requires applying force to overcome the resistance of the door. Typing on a computer keyboard involves applying force to the keys. Sitting in a chair involves the force of gravity acting on the body. Therefore, none of the above options are NOT examples of a force being exerted.

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  • 24. 

    What is the net force when you combine a force of 7 N north with a force of 5 N south?

    • 2 N north

    • 2 N south

    • 12 N north

    • 12 N south

    Correct Answer
    A. 2 N north
    Explanation
    When you combine a force of 7 N north with a force of 5 N south, the net force can be found by subtracting the smaller force from the larger force. In this case, the larger force is 7 N and the smaller force is 5 N. Subtracting 5 N from 7 N gives us a net force of 2 N. Since the larger force was in the north direction, the net force is also in the north direction. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 N north.

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  • 25. 

    The air that comes out of the tiny holes of an air-hockey table is an example of

    • Net force.

    • Friction.

    • Gas lubricant.

    • Liquid lubricant.

    Correct Answer
    A. Gas lubricant.
    Explanation
    The air that comes out of the tiny holes of an air-hockey table acts as a lubricant between the puck and the table surface. This air cushion reduces friction and allows the puck to glide smoothly across the table. Therefore, the air can be considered as a gas lubricant in this context.

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  • 26. 

    Acceleration is a change in

    • Speed.

    • Velocity.

    • Direction.

    • All of the above.

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above.
    Explanation
    Acceleration is a measure of how quickly an object's velocity changes. Velocity is a vector quantity that includes both speed and direction. Therefore, acceleration can cause a change in speed, a change in velocity, or a change in direction. All of these options are correct explanations for the given answer.

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  • 27. 

    A good rule to observe when around a swimming pool is "no running."  The deck around the pool becomes very slippery to walk on when wet due to

    • Sliding friction.

    • Rolling friction.

    • Fluid friction.

    • Static friction.

    Correct Answer
    A. Fluid friction.
    Explanation
    When the deck around a swimming pool becomes wet, it creates a layer of water between the surface and the person's feet. This layer of water acts as a lubricant, reducing the friction between the feet and the surface. This type of friction, where a fluid (in this case, water) reduces the resistance between two surfaces, is known as fluid friction. Therefore, the correct answer is fluid friction as it explains why the deck becomes very slippery to walk on when wet.

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  • 28. 

    A reference point for determining position and motion could be

    • The Earth's surface.

    • A building.

    • A moving object.

    • All of the above.

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "all of the above" because a reference point for determining position and motion can be any object or point that is used to compare and measure the position or motion of other objects. The Earth's surface can be used as a reference point to determine the position and motion of objects on or near the surface. A building can also be used as a reference point to determine the position and motion of objects relative to the building. Additionally, a moving object can be used as a reference point to determine the position and motion of other objects relative to the moving object. Therefore, all three options can serve as valid reference points for determining position and motion.

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  • 29. 

    A friend is helping you to arrange your bedroom furniture.  You exert 25 N of force to push the foot-end of the bed while your friend exerts 20 N of force pulling on the head-end of the bed.  The net force being used to move the bed is

    • 5 N forward

    • 20 N forward

    • 25 N forward

    • 45 N forward

    Correct Answer
    A. 45 N forward
    Explanation
    The net force being used to move the bed is 45 N forward. This is because the net force is the vector sum of the forces applied to the bed. In this case, you exert a force of 25 N forward and your friend exerts a force of 20 N forward. When these forces are added together, the result is a net force of 45 N forward, which is the total force being used to move the bed in that direction.

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  • 30. 

    Two forces act on an object.  One force has a magnitude of 10N and is directed toward the north.  The other has a magnitude of 5N directed toward the south.  The object experiences a net force of

    • 5 N south

    • 15 N north

    • 50 N north

    • 5 N north

    Correct Answer
    A. 5 N north
    Explanation
    The object experiences a net force of 5 N north because the force directed toward the north (10N) is greater than the force directed toward the south (5N). The net force is the vector sum of the two forces, which in this case results in a force directed toward the north.

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  • 31. 

    Which type of friction causes a sky diver's acceleration to change as she falls?

    • Sliding

    • Rolling

    • Fluid

    • Static

    Correct Answer
    A. Fluid
    Explanation
    As a skydiver falls through the air, the type of friction that causes her acceleration to change is fluid friction. This is because the air particles exert a resistance force on her body as she moves through them. This fluid friction increases as her speed increases, causing her acceleration to decrease over time.

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  • 32. 

    A car traveling 20 m/s south enters a new highway going east at 20 m/s.  The car has

    • Decreased its distance.

    • Changed its speed.

    • Accelerated.

    • Not changed its velocity.

    Correct Answer
    A. Accelerated.
    Explanation
    When the car enters the new highway going east, it changes its direction. Acceleration refers to any change in velocity, including changes in direction. Since the car changes its direction from south to east, it is accelerating. The speed of the car remains the same at 20 m/s, but its velocity changes because velocity includes both speed and direction. Therefore, the correct answer is accelerated.

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  • 33. 

    When velocity decreases, this could be referred to as

    • Acceleration.

    • Deceleration.

    • Negative acceleration.

    • All of the above.

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above.
    Explanation
    When velocity decreases, it can be referred to as acceleration because acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes. Specifically, when velocity decreases, it is known as deceleration, which is a type of acceleration. Additionally, since deceleration is a negative acceleration, it can also be considered as negative acceleration. Therefore, all of the given options are correct explanations for when velocity decreases.

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  • 34. 

    When applying brakes on a car or a bicycle, you are using _______ friction to stop.

    • Sliding

    • Rolling

    • Fluid

    • Static

    Correct Answer
    A. Sliding
    Explanation
    When applying brakes on a car or a bicycle, you are using sliding friction to stop. Sliding friction occurs when two surfaces slide against each other, creating resistance and slowing down the motion. In the case of brakes, the brake pads press against the rotating wheel or disc, causing sliding friction that helps to stop the vehicle. This type of friction is essential in converting the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into heat energy, allowing it to come to a halt.

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  • Mar 25, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
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    Quiz Created by
    Webert
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