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College Physics for AP® Courses

Glossary

College Physics for AP® CoursesGlossary
absolute pressure
the sum of gauge pressure and atmospheric pressure
adhesive forces
the attractive forces between molecules of different types
Archimedes' principle
the buoyant force on an object equals the weight of the fluid it displaces
buoyant force
the net upward force on any object in any fluid
capillary action
the tendency of a fluid to be raised or lowered in a narrow tube
cohesive forces
the attractive forces between molecules of the same type
contact angle
the angle θθ size 12{θ} {} between the tangent to the liquid surface and the surface
density
the mass per unit volume of a substance or object
diastolic pressure
minimum arterial blood pressure; indicator for the fluid balance
diastolic pressure
the minimum blood pressure in the artery
fluids
liquids and gases; a fluid is a state of matter that yields to shearing forces
gauge pressure
the pressure relative to atmospheric pressure
glaucoma
condition caused by the buildup of fluid pressure in the eye
intraocular pressure
fluid pressure in the eye
micturition reflex
stimulates the feeling of needing to urinate, triggered by bladder pressure
Pascal's Principle
a change in pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished to all portions of the fluid and to the walls of its container
pressure
the force per unit area perpendicular to the force, over which the force acts
pressure
the weight of the fluid divided by the area supporting it
specific gravity
the ratio of the density of an object to a fluid (usually water)
surface tension
the cohesive forces between molecules which cause the surface of a liquid to contract to the smallest possible surface area
systolic pressure
maximum arterial blood pressure; indicator for the blood flow
systolic pressure
the maximum blood pressure in the artery
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